'More freedom to increase the Irpef for the rich'

There are no projections on high incomes yet, but in any case for Milan today it is technically not possible to increase the Irpef. We do not have the possibility to further manoeuvre the tax. It is only allowed in Rome, so this should also be the subject of a broader reflection, aimed at greater autonomy for the cities. We believe we have the same right already exercised by Rome.

Do you therefore support the PD's request?

Definitely yes, I make this proposal, but be careful: only because it is linked to the increase of the exemption threshold, which today is already at EUR 23,000 and which we would like to raise to EUR 25,000. We would then have to deal with finding the cover.

The topic of autonomy often returns. Mayor Giuseppe Sala has spoken out against the regional autonomy proposed by the government. What do you think?

I think the key to change and innovation in Italy is the cities. Today, Italy's big cities account for a large part of the national GDP, Milan alone accounts for 10 per cent. And cities are also the places where there are greater social tensions and where citizens need effective answers to major issues such as housing and transport. So we should think about greater autonomy for municipalities, talking about Irpef, flexibility in the tourist tax, investment in public transport. This is an issue that must be tackled together, bringing a broader platform to the government, one that is not reduced to spot demands on a single tax or a single tax. The crux is the political vision of the cities, the recognition of their role.

The big issue again is transport, which is needed to ensure the environmental transition and to improve the lives of citizens, but which then, if it is done at all, creates budgetary imbalances because it is very expensive. How do we get out of this?

This is the most urgent issue to put to Rome, precisely with a view to recognising the role of cities. Milan invests to give its citizens a better service, and the State must recognise this. Instead, exactly the opposite is happening: last year's budget cut in Milan meant 15 million less; for next year we don't know yet but we estimate between 8 and 10 million less.

The municipality, however, undoubtedly collects more money. And there may soon be a tightening of the C-zone, also extended to weekends.

Tax revenues are increasing because incomes are increasing, not because we have increased taxes. What has improved is our management capacity, even of assets such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, which today yields around 75 million. Area C will also be worth 37.8 million in 2025. For the time being, I have not seen any documents talking about extensions.

So there won't be?

I am not saying that, I am not excluding that. I'm just saying that I haven't seen anything so far.

Dividends from investee companies become important again. So no more talk of privatisation? .

In this we have gone against the trend and done well. The airport company Sea gives us great results, with 123 million to pay for the 2025 budget. Overall, the subsidiaries contribute 200 million. Why sell them?