Once again it is the Superbonus that stirs up the political debate and creates discontent even among the parties of the government majority themselves. The latest bone of contention is an amendment presented on Friday 10 May and signed by the Minister of Economy Giancarlo Giorgetti. The change provides that the installments to obtain the tax deductions accrued thanks to the interventions carried out with the building bonuses will go from 4 to 10 years. What puts construction companies and government allies on a war footing is the retroactivity of this measure, which will be valid for all expenses made starting from 1 January 2024, i.e. also in the months preceding the deferral of credits. Among the members of the executive, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is certainly the most openly critical voice of this innovation. The amendment presented by Giorgetti, the Forza Italia leader clarified in recent days, “is a proposal from him, not from the government, because I have never been consulted”.
How credit deferral works
With the government amendment approved in recent days, the years necessary to obtain the tax deductions accrued thanks to building renovation interventions go from 4 to 10. In other words, it means that it will take six more years to obtain the reimbursement of how much spent. This “credit-spreading” measure applies to all interventions carried out in 2024 and 2025 with the Superbonus and the architectural barrier bonus. Even those who have renovated their homes with the Sisma bonus, the tool designed for the redevelopment of buildings in seismic areas, will see the time needed to obtain reimbursement of the amount spent increase from 5 to 10 years.
The other news
The amendment presented by Giorgetti confirms the elimination of the possibility of accessing the invoice discount or credit transfer. Both tools are no longer available, even if work has already started. The text also establishes an ad hoc fund for the Third Sector: 100 million euros for energy requalification interventions on properties used for non-profit activities, voluntary associations or social promotion (provided they were established before 20 March 2024).
The clash between Giorgetti and Tajani
The amendment presented by Giorgetti aroused the ire of Forza Italia, with MP Raffaele Nevi declaring: «The retroactive rules affect the credibility of the State and the ability to attract investments». Nevi’s words were followed by those of the aforementioned Tajani, who spoke of an amendment “not agreed with the government”. Giorgetti’s response came quickly: «When Tajani reads the amendment he will understand the common sense that inspired it, I believe he will come to terms with it too».
Forza Italia’s battle for a change last minute
In recent hours, the tone of the conflict has lowered again, with the Foreign Minister speaking from the pages of the Corriere della Sera he assures: «We have never argued, I just want to see things clearly». Reassurances aside, Forza Italia seems to have every intention of continuing its battle to modify the Superbonus decree. «We are working with our legislative offices to present changes», announced the Italian MP Nevi today. Maurizio Gasparri is also on the same line, asking to “avoid retroactive rules on the Superbonus”.
The voices of the opposition
Several parliamentarians from opposition parties also spoke on the issue, with Tino Magni, senator of the Green-Left Alliance, speaking of a majority “falling to pieces”. «All these changes and these indecisions», attacks Magni, «are causing serious damage, with entrepreneurs, workers and families very worried. We are at the 32nd modification of the Superbonus, yet another modification in progress, without seeing the solution”. Instead, support for Forza Italia’s requests could come from the 5 Star Movement. “We have to see the text, but in principle yes,” replied the group leader of the M5s in the Senate, Stefano Patuanelli, to those who asked him if the M5s will vote in favor of a possible sub-amendment of Forza Italia against the retroactivity of the changes to the Superbonus .
On the cover: Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti in the Chamber, 29 December 2023 (ANSA/Giuseppe Lami)
