The Italian government set next year’s budget deficit target at 2.4 percent of output, after the ruling populist parties pressured Finance Minister Giovanni Tria into providing more funds for their election promises.
“A deal has been reached with the full government on 2.4 percent. We are satisfied, it’s the budget for change,” Deputy Premiers Matteo Salvini and Luigi Di Maio said in a joint statement Thursday evening following a leadership meeting. News agency Ansa said a 2.4 percent deficit was estimated for 2020 and the following year as well.
