The chaos generated by the new income meter led Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to suspend the ministerial decree, announcing on social media the need for further investigations. During a discussion at Palazzo Chigi with Deputy Minister Maurizio Leo, the Prime Minister reiterated that the government’s objective is to fight the big tax evaders, those who, despite declaring little or nothing, flaunt wealth with SUVs and yachts, without penalizing honest citizens.
The day was characterized by intense debates in Parliament on possible solutions to solve the communication problem. Among the options discussed were suspension, repeal or amendments to the decree. Deputy Minister Leo met Meloni at Palazzo Chigi, after a brief appearance at Montecitorio. Subsequently, the decision to suspend the decree sparked criticism from the opposition, with the PD requesting the resignation of Leo and minister Giancarlo Giorgetti.
Within the government, allies also expressed their dissatisfaction. Antonio Tajani of Forza Italia welcomed the suspension of the decree, while the League asked for an explicit commitment to clarify the future of the income meter, supporting the need to overcome this instrument rather than simply suspend it. An agenda to this effect was signed by the deputies of Italia Viva and approved in the Finance commission. Matteo Salvini appreciated the government’s decision to stop what he called the “tax big brother”.
The suspension of the decree will require the issuing of a new provision by Maurizio Leo. The director of the Revenue Agency, Ernesto Maria Ruffini, specified that the income meter is a residual tool, used to reconstruct taxpayers’ income when there are no other elements available, as in the case of major tax evaders.
Meloni acknowledged that the decree has sparked controversy, even if necessary to limit the discretion of the financial administration in contesting inconsistencies between the standard of living and the declared income. The issue will probably be revisited after the European elections.
In summary, the suspension of the income meter decree was welcomed as a move to avoid conflicts with honest citizens, focusing on the real big tax evaders, but it will require further reflection and a new legislative approach.
