In an unprecedented move, Italian ministers have put the government’s economic manoeuvre (manovra) in jeopardy by proposing a salary increase for themselves, drawing criticism from opposition parties and sparking a conflict within the coalition. The proposed raise has created confusion and discontent, with some politicians questioning who requested the increase and blaming mysterious “fingers” (manina) behind the scenes for the proposal. The row has escalated to the point where Maurizio Gasparri, a senator from the opposition party, has publicly exposed Elly Schlein, a minister from the coalition, revealing her salary. In response to the backlash, the government has performed a U-turn on the salary increase, aiming to avoid further damage to the manovra and politics at large. However, the controversy has spurred a heated debate on reforming the Italian political system and ensuring greater transparency and accountability among decision-makers.
Article for English version of La Repubblica:
Title: Manovra, the Night of Negotiations: Crosetto Proposes Freeze on Ministerial Salary Increases
In an unexpected turn of events, Italian Undersecretary of Defense, AngeloSBlockquotequote Crosetto, has proposed a freeze on the increase of ministerial salaries as part of the ongoing debate over the country’s 2022 budget law, or ‘Manovra’, during a late-night negotiation session.
The government, led by Prime Minister Mario Draghi, has been in intense discussions to finalize the Manovra, aimed at balancing the budget and satisfying both domestic and European Union requirements. The negotiations, which entered the night hours on Wednesday, were marked by tension and disagreement among coalition parties.
Crosetto’s proposal came as a surprise, considering that the increase inministerial salaries was not a contentious point in the Manovra until now. The proposal suggests capping the salaries of ministers and parliamentary Undersecretaries, which were set to rise next year.
According to sources close to Crosetto, he argued that in times of economic crisis and before a potential new election, the government should show sensibility and restraint, avoiding any appearance of indulgence. He also pointed out that a salary freeze would release additional funds that could be redirected towards more pressing sectors, such as healthcare and education.
However, Crosetto’s proposal was not well-received by all members of the government. Some ministers argued that the raise was a long-overdue recognition of the increased workload and responsibilities of their roles. Others, more politically oriented, saw the proposal as an attempt by Crosetto to gain political capital by appearing more committed to austerity than other ministers.
The late-night negotiations also touched on other contentious issues such as the pension system, the flat tax regime, and the degree of alignment with European Union rules. The final version of the Manovra is expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers in the coming days before being submitted to Parliament for approval.
In the end, the freeze on ministerial salary increases was not included in the final version of the Manovra. However, Crosetto’s proposal sparked a debate about the role of ministers in these delicate financial times and how they should set an example for the rest of the country.
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