The summer tax has appeared in an amendment by the rapporteurs, therefore by the government majority, to the Infrastructure decree: an increase in motorway tolls of one euro for every thousand kilometres, starting from August 1st. The opposition has wasted no time: «The government is cashing in on holidays».
The center-right was nervous, with FdI trying to distance itself, letting it be known that it had reluctantly agreed to a proposal made by the League, head of Infrastructure with Minister Matteo Salvini. The issue was closed after a few hours, with a backtracking: Salvini asked to withdraw the amendment, which was eventually withdrawn. That extra euro for every thousand kilometers would have brought 90 million a year into the coffers of Anas, necessary "to definitively cover - it is explained in the report - the need for resources that in recent years has structurally" grown, among other things, also due to the increase in bills for street lighting.
The input for the amendment would have come from the Ministry of Infrastructure led by Salvini, it is explained in majority circles. The rule would have had a far from simple gestation, especially due to the doubts expressed by FdI to the League. In the end, in order not to break the coalition's balance, even the Melonians gave their green light, albeit with some stomach aches. The rule, therefore, was presented with the signatures of exponents of the entire coalition. As the hours passed, however, the climate became increasingly heated.
Tensions, distancing, opposition attacks, polemics from user associations. FdI has let its disappointment filter through. "We will never dream of bringing forward an amendment that is not shared by the competent minister, and therefore we welcome with great favor Minister Salvini's invitation to withdraw the amendment regarding the issue of the additional fee in favor of Anas", declare the deputies of Fratelli d'Italia, Antonio Baldelli and Massimo Milani, rapporteurs of the Infrastructure decree.
"These people increase taxes," joked the president of Iv, Matteo Renzi, on social media, "and then pretend to be sad about the tax increase. How embarrassing." Until Salvini closed the issue "in light of the differences that emerged in the majority," the ministry said. The change of heart was communicated with a short but clear note in two passages. The first that got straight to the point: "The deputy prime minister and minister Matteo Salvini asks to withdraw the amendment." And the second that made a political passage clear, recalling that the request on tolls was presented by the speakers "of all the majority forces." As if to underline: not only the League, which then withdrew its signature, announcing that it will not vote for the increase.
"Once he's found out - commented the secretary of Più Europa, Riccardo Magi - Salvini acts like a hero. Does he even want applause? Salvini must have taken Italians for fools". While the secretary of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, doesn't trust: "Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Salvini have changed their minds so many times in recent years that we certainly can't trust a press release", she said.
The pre-August slip-up was seized upon by the M5S. "Let's add a little more cost of living for the holidays (for those who can afford them) - wrote President Giuseppe Conte on social media -. However, they are cutting taxes: to the billionaire giants of the United States web and to the banks that have collected extra profits. We are immediately fighting in Parliament". And Angelo Bonelli, of Avs: "Citizens cannot always be the ATM of a government that has no vision and acts only for slogans and propaganda". Consumer associations also made their voices heard. "Any increase in highway tolls is unacceptable - wrote Assoutenti - and would represent damage for millions of motorists". And the National Consumers Union: "The desire of this government to make money by throwing stones and hiding their hand is incredible".
(Online Union)