Concerns about the 2023 Budget Law

Ance expresses strong concern for the negative effects that the Budget Law could have on the construction sector and, consequently, on Italian growth. The president of Ance, Federica Brancaccio, stated in the hearing:

“Stopping construction means stopping the country.”

Investment Risks

One of the main concerns is the absence of an extension to 2025 of the measures against the high cost of materials for public works. According to Ance estimates, over 10 billion euros of investments are at risk in 2025. Brancaccio warned of the potential “blocking of construction sites”, a situation that the government did not consider in its forecasts:

“It risks wiping out the growth forecast for 2025 and leading to a cut in the PNRR installments.”

Economic Situation and Welfare

Confcommercio general secretary, Luigi Taranto, stressed that the economic situation is slowing down. He predicted GDP growth of no more than 0.8% for the end of 2024, with downside risks. He also noted that:

“The weakening growth outlook makes it more difficult to achieve the public finance targets set for 2026.” On the other hand, the spokesperson of the Third Sector Forum, Vanessa Pallucchi, declared that welfare is further weakening. She highlighted problems such as:

• Growth of poverty and inequality.
• Inadequacy of public health.
• Youth discomfort. Pallucchi asked for the maintenance of the VAT exclusion regime to guarantee the sustainability of social activities.

Discrimination and Development Aid

Caritas Italiana expressed concern about the discrimination of the foreign population in the Budget Law. Representative Nunzia De Capite highlighted two critical points:

1. Changes to tax deductions for dependent children.
2. Exclusion of holders of international protection from the new birth bonus. Furthermore, a reduction of approximately 32 million euros in official development aid was reported. Caritas reiterated the importance of Italy respecting its commitment to allocate 0.7% of Gross National Income for such aid, with a dedicated fund. The situation requires careful assessment by the institutions, so that adequate measures are adopted to ensure the growth and well-being of the population.