Manoeuvre: spending spree for entities receiving state aid

A spending review for bodies, companies and organisations that receive 'significant' public subsidies appears in the folds of the manoeuvre approved by the Chamber of Deputies. The measure is contained in one of the most controversial articles of the Budget Law: the one on auditors for those who - precisely - receive state aid. Mef auditors in an initial version contested by Forza Italia, which had even made Antonio Tajani speak of 'Stasi'. No Treasury 'controllers' in the end, but still a tightening of controls for those who receive large sums.

But in the final wording of the amendment for these entities, there will also be a squeeze on the purchase of goods and services. The rule states, in fact, that they will not be able to spend on these items 'an amount higher than the average value incurred for the same purposes in the financial years 2021, 2022 and 2023'. The spending review is softer for lyrical-symphonic foundations and traditional theatres, which have evidently seen a downturn in the pandemic years. For them, the reference average will be that of the 'financial years 2022 and 2023'.

The measure, which is in any case linked to a ministerial decree for implementation, could change, but risks impacting not only, for example, large theatres and foundations, but also companies that have benefited from aid such as those linked to Transition 5.0. In short, a regulation destined to cause debate. Just as the tension does not seem to stop on other hot topics such as the stop to fines for no vax.

The measure, desired by the League, has entered into the Milleproroghe decree, the measure, as yet unstamped, that will land in Parliament, most likely in the Senate, early next year. During the discussion of the odg to the manoeuvre, Forza Italia was unhinged on the issue with several parliamentarians supporting a proposal by the PD to proceed with the fines. Another topic of controversy, with some discontent in the majority, but mainly between the centre-right and centre-left, is that of the micro-interventions wanted by the centre-right in a sort of re-edition of the so-called 'tipping law'. From parish theatres to eight-a-side football associations, from fountains to the planting of parks. But also craft ice cream associations or small music festivals. There are many mini-measures. "While they are rejecting the minimum wage,' attacks Dem Marco Sarracino, 'they are approving tips for municipalities that do not even exist. However, the operation is also claimed by the centre-right as a way to help the territories. This is the example of the funds that should go to the construction of the 'Father Pino Puglisi' outreach clinic, the Palermo priest killed by the Mafia. An intervention of which 'I am really proud,' says Chamber of Deputies Vice-President Giorgio Mulé.