Italy’s Salvini says wants to avoid EU rift, defends 2019 budget

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Tuesday he wanted to avoid EU disciplinary action over Italy’s 2019 budget, adding that he hoped Brussels was open-minded about discussing the expansionary fiscal package.

EU government representatives are set to back on Thursday disciplinary proceedings by the European Commission against Italy over its debt mountain, according to two European Union sources and a document seen by Reuters.

Salvini told reporters the budget was “serious” and was aimed at fostering growth. He said he was not “hung up” over projections included in the bill, but said it was important for coalition parties to follow through on their electoral promises.

source: Reuters