Angelo Bonelli, co-leader of the Avs political alliance alongside Nicola Fratoianni, outlined a vision for reforming the Italian tax system during an appearance on the program Tagadà on June 5, 2026. Addressing the recent proposal for a wealth tax put forward by Elly Schlein, Bonelli argued against a permanent wealth tax in favor of adjusting tax brackets to reduce the burden on the middle class while increasing it on high earners.
Bonelli emphasized the need for a “solidarity contribution,” or a “purpose-driven tax,” targeted at the country’s wealthiest individuals. He noted that there are currently 79 people in Italy possessing a combined total wealth of 357 billion euros. The primary objective of this proposed levy would be to generate resources over a three-to-four-year period specifically to reduce waiting lists for public healthcare.
Did You Know?
According to Angelo Bonelli, approximately six million Italians currently lack access to necessary medical treatments due to excessive waiting times in the public system or an inability to afford private healthcare services.
Addressing Tax Inequity
The Avs leader pointed to what he described as an “extremely inequitable” fiscal system, noting that current tax rates on incomes of 50,000 euros reach 43 percent. He highlighted a lack of progressivity in the system, observing that individuals earning 50 million euros are subject to the same tax rate as those earning 50,000 euros.
Bonelli also drew a comparison between international and domestic inheritance tax practices. He contrasted the case of the heirs of Lee Kun-hee of Samsung in South Korea, who paid approximately 8 billion dollars in inheritance taxes on a 17-billion-dollar estate, with the situation in Italy. He noted that the heirs of the Del Vecchio family of Luxottica paid roughly 200 million euros in inheritance taxes on a total estate estimated at approximately 50 billion euros.
Expert Insight:
The debate highlights a fundamental tension in fiscal policy: the trade-off between generating immediate revenue for public services and the broader structural goal of reducing the tax burden on labor. By proposing a shift in tax pressure, proponents argue that businesses could gain operational margins, potentially leading to higher wages for employees. However, such shifts often face significant political and economic hurdles regarding capital flight and investment incentives.
Future Implications
If these proposals were to gain traction, the government might face intense pressure to overhaul inheritance laws and income tax progressivity. Analysts could expect further debate regarding the feasibility of “purpose-driven” taxes, specifically whether they can effectively bridge the funding gap in the public health sector without causing long-term distortions in the national economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the proposed “tassa di scopo”?
The tax is intended to raise funds from the country’s 79 wealthiest individuals to reduce waiting lists in the public healthcare system over a period of three to four years.
What is Bonelli’s critique of the current Italian tax system?
He argues the system is not sufficiently progressive, noting that high-income earners pay the same tax rates as those earning significantly less and suggests that the tax burden should be shifted away from the cost of labor.
How does the Italian inheritance tax compare to South Korea, according to the source?
Bonelli cited data indicating that South Korean heirs paid nearly 8 billion dollars on a 17-billion-dollar inheritance, while Italian heirs of the Del Vecchio family paid approximately 200 million euros on a 50-billion-euro estate.
How should the government balance the need for increased public service funding with the necessity of maintaining a competitive tax environment for businesses?
