de |    ThemenBrüssel 21.11.2011

Zur Antrittsrede von Mario Monti

Ein Beitrag von Sven Giegold, MdEP

Das Zentrum der Eurokrise liegt in Italien. Es ist Italien, das definitiv zu groß, zu verschuldet ist, um es durch die Partner zu retten. Gleichzeitig verfügt Italien über eine starke Wirtschaft, die auch in der Globalisierung bestehen kann. Allerdings leidet Italien ähnlich wie Griechenland unter einem besonders großen Verlust an Vertrauen in den gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhang und in alle politischen Institutionen, inklusive der Parteien, der Gewerkschaften und vieler anderer mächtiger Verbände. Berlusconi war auch deshalb so attraktiv für die ItalienerInnen, trotz aller Skandale, weil er "Freiheit" als Nicht-Einmischung und Nicht-Veränderung verstand. An keinem der zentralen Probleme Italiens versuchte er, ernsthaft etwas zu ändern. Auch deshalb häufte sich der Problemberg so weit auf.

Anders jedoch als in der Vergangenheit kann Italien die relative Schwäche gegenüber dem Ausland nicht durch Abwertung – also eine allgemeine Verarmung gegenüber dem Ausland mit sehr ungleichmäßiger Verteilungswirkung – lösen. Der Euro macht die Abwertung unmöglich und bestraft die verwandte Option der Inflation.

Trotz des offensichtlichen Scheiterns von Berlusconi gelang es der Mitte-Links-Opposition nicht, ein glaubwürdiges Alternativ-Programm aufzustellen. Als dann die KapitalanlegerInnen – also auch die Italienischen SparerInnen – die Finanzierung des Italienischen Staates zu akzeptablen Bedingungen verweigerten, erzwangen die EZB zusammen mit Bundeskanzlerin Merkel und Staatspräsident Sarkozy, unter Duldung der EU-Partnerregierungen, ein hartes Sparprogramm sowie den Abgang Berlusconis. Der Kauf oder Nichtkauf von Italienischen Staatsanleihen auf dem Sekundärmarkt durch die EZB wurde dadurch zum politischen Rammbock. Der ganze Vorgang hat mit Demokratie natürlich nichts zu tun. Er zeigt auch, dass die Europäischen Partnerländer gegenüber den Krisenstaaten nicht in einer schwachen Verhandlungsposition sind, wie sie es immer wieder vorgeben.

Die Nominierung von Mario Monti als neuen Italienischen Regierungschefs wurde dann parteiübergreifend begrüßt, ebenso von den EU-Partnerländern. Ebenso sprach sich die große Mehrheit der Bevölkerung in Meinungsumfragen für die neue Regierung aus ExpertInnen aus. Allerdings besitzt die neue Regierung keine Legitimation durch die demokratische Wahl mit einer gesellschaftlichen Debatte auf der Basis eines Programms. Vielmehr wird nun Mario Montis Regierung Italien ein Programm auftischen, das keine der im Parlament vertretenen Parteien auf dem Menu hatte.

In seiner Rede am letzten Donnerstag skizzierte Mario Monti nun dieses Programm. Es ein dreifaches Versprechen nach Haushaltsdisziplin, Wirtschaftswachstum und Gerechtigkeit sowie ein Versprechen, Rechtsstaatlichkeit zu stärken. In den konkreten Maßnahmen wird deutlich, dass Monti ein liberaler Ökonom alter Schule ist. Er verwechselt Liberalismus nicht mit der Klientelpflege für Unternehmen, sondern will tatsächlich mehr Wettbewerb, mehr Effizienz und einen Staat, der gleiche Bedingungen für alle herstellt. Gleichzeitig bleibt er eben doch ein Liberaler, in dem Sinne, dass die große soziale Ungleichheit in Italien für ihn im wesentlichen eine Antwort verlangt: Gleichere Chancen im Zugang zum Markt. Dazu gehört auch, dass er die Steuern auf Einkommen senken will und Verbrauchssteuern erhöhen. Eine Vermögenssteuer kündigt er nicht an. Gleichzeitig will er die Gewerkschaften schwächen, indem er die Lohnsetzung weiter auf die betriebliche Ebene verlagern will. Es ist zu bezweifeln, dass ein solches Fitnessprogramm für die Italienische Wirtschaft gemanagt von einer ExpertInnenregierung sozialen Zusammenhalt und breite Unterstützung in der Bevölkerung finden kann. Sicherlich braucht Italien Strukturreformen und mehr Haushaltsdisziplin. Die Kosten dieser Programme wie auch der Krise werden auch die Schwächeren treffen. Es ist jedoch ein großer Fehler, nicht die starken Schultern stärker zu belasten als die Schwachen. Es ist ein ökonomischer Fehler, weil die Folgen der Austerität für die Binnennachfrage so schlimmer werden. Es ist ein politischer Fehler, weil es den Gewerkschaften und der politischen Linken so leicht fallen wird, sich der notwendigen gesamtgesellschaftlichen Anstrengung zu entziehen.

Hier finden Sie die Rede von Mario Monti in einer nicht-autorisierten automatischen Übersetzung mit Markierungen von mir sowie das italienische Original:

16 th Legislature – House – No transcript of the session 637 of 17/11/2011

Mario Monti, President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Economy and Finance in the interim.

Mr. President, ladies and senators, Honourable Senators, it is with great emotion that I address you, as the first act of the intended path to win the confidence of Parliament yesterday the Government constituted. The excitement is heightened by the fact that now I take the floor for the first time in this House, in which you have given me a few days ago a reception that moved me. I am honored to join the Senate.

I would like to extend a respectful greeting to the Head of State, President Napolitano, who with great wisdom, expertise and sense of State has been able to resolve a difficult situation, in very short time, in the interest of the country and all citizens. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI-I NC-Southern Railway, IDV, Mixed-MPA-AS and Senators Columbus, Goshawk and Del Pennino). I also want to renew my gratitude for the trust given to me, for the support and participation, which has consistently provided me in my efforts to form a government that could meet the demands of political forces and, at the same time, respond effectively to serious challenges that our country has in front of him.

I extend my greetings to the President Emeritus of the Republic, to the senators for life and all the senators.

I hope to be able to establish with each of you a personal relationship as your colleague, even the newest. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI-I NC-Southern Railway, IDV, Mixed-MPA-AS and senators Colombo, Goshawk and Del Pennino).

The Parliament is the heart of every policy of the Government, the joint decisive for the revival and the restoration of democratic life. Parliament must be recognized and reinforced through the daily action of each of us, the dignity, credibility and authority. For my part, on our part, there will always be a clear defense of the role of both Houses as the protagonists of the public debate.

Thanks very specific and felt like, finally, to express to you, our, President. The President Schifani (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-FLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI-I NC-Southern Railway, IDV, Mixed-MPA -AS, the senators Colombo, Goshawk, Del Pennino and benches of the government) wanted to meet me, from the first moment of my mission – as you can imagine, not easy – took place, largely, in the Palazzo Giustiniani, with a generosity and a kindness that I can not forget. (Applause from the PDL and PD groups).

Lastly, I thought a respectful and friendly to the president, Mr Silvio Berlusconi Dr. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI The CN-I-FS South, Mixed-MPA-AS and senators Colombo, Goshawk, Del Pennino and the government benches), my predecessor, of which I am pleased to acknowledge the efforts in facilitating these days my inheritance in 'office.

The Government acknowledges that he was born in a constructive spirit and to address a situation of serious emergency unit. I would use this expression: Government of national commitment. Government of national commitment means taking upon himself the task of strengthening the civic and institutional, based on a sense of the state. It is the sense of the state and the strength of the institutions that prevent the degeneration of the sense of family in family values, of belonging to communities of origin in localism, the sense of party factionalism. And I understood from the outset, my service to the State certainly not with the arrogance of those who considered technically is supposed superiority of the technique to demonstrate compliance with the policy, on the contrary, I hope that my government and I can , during which we made available, to contribute, in a respectful and humbly, to reconcile more – let me use the expression – the citizens and institutions, the public policy. (Prolonged applause from Groups PdL, PD, CN-I-South Railway, IDV, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI, Mixed-MPA-AS , the senators Colombo, Goshawk, Del Pennino and the government benches).

I would like, we would like, all help to overcome a period of debate – which is a natural part of democratic life – very, very, lit, and we can take together without any confusion of responsibilities, measures up to the difficult situation that the country is going through, but with the confidence that the policy that you represent is increasingly recognized, and once again recognized as the engine of the country's progress.

The difficulties of the present moment. Europe is experiencing the most difficult days of the years after World War II. The project that we have the foresight of the great politicians, who were Konrad Adenauer, Jean Monnet, Robert Schuman and – I stress in particular – Alcide De Gasperi (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, CN-I-South Railway, IDV, UDC- SVP-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI, Mixed-MPA-AS, the senators Colombo, Goshawk and Del Pennino), and for sixty years we have pursued, step by step, by the Treaty of Rome – not in the case of Rome – the Single European Act, Maastricht and the Treaty of Lisbon, is tested more serious since it was founded.

A failure would not only be bad for us Europeans. Would be less than the prospect of a more balanced world in which Europe can better convey his values and to exercise the role that it competes in a world ever more in need of an effective multilateral governance.

Do not deceive ourselves, Honourable Senators, that the European project can survive if it fails the monetary union. The end of the euro disintegrate the single market, its rules, its institutions. Us back to where Europe was in the fifties.

Crisis management has suffered from a lack of governance and, ultimately, must be overcome through action at European level. But only if we can prevent someone with more or less foundation, we consider the weak link in Europe, we can start to contribute fully to the development of these reforms in Europe. Otherwise, we will meet members of a project that we have helped to develop, developed by countries that, having at heart the future of Europe, who care about national interests even values, among which there is not necessarily an Italy strong.

The future of the euro depends on what is done in Italy next week. Also: not only but also. International investors hold almost half of our debt. We must convince them that we have taken the path of a gradual but sustained reduction in the ratio of government debt to gross domestic product. That relationship is now at the same level at which it was twenty years ago, and is the third highest among OECD countries.

To achieve this goal, we intend to build on three pillars: fiscal discipline, growth and equity.

In the past two decades, Italy has done much to rebalance the public finances, while raising the tax on employees and businesses, rather than permanently reducing current public expenditure. However, those efforts were frustrated by the lack of growth. The lack of growth has nullified the sacrifices made. We must set ambitious goals on the budget balance, on the descent of the ratio of debt to GDP. But we will not be credible, even in the pursuit and maintenance of these objectives, if not started to grow again.

What should I do to start to grow has long been known. Studies of the best research centers Italians had identified the necessary steps long before they were incorporated in the documents we have received in recent months by the European institutions. There is no originality European in having identified what Italy must do to grow taller. It is an issue of the Italian system unable to decide and then implement what we Italians knew well it was necessary for our growth.

Do not see the Europeans as taxation constraints. First, let me say, and hear me say often, that there is no "them" and "us". Europe's us! (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI-I NC-Southern Railway, IDV, Mixed-MPA-AS, Senators Columbus, Goshawk, Del Pennino and the government benches). It is for the most part, then there are those who, in a flurry of messages, letters and resolutions from the European institutions, measures to make the economy less than a cast, to facilitate the creation of new businesses and then induce growth, improve the efficiency of the services offered by government, facilitate the entry into employment of young people and women, the two great wasted resources of our country. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI, IDV, Mixed-MPA-AS, the senators Colombo, Goshawk, Del Nibs and the government benches).

The objection that often opposes these measures is that they serve, of course, but in the short term do little for growth. It is an objection which is often behind the mask – face it – who does not want these measures, not so much because they have no effect on growth in the short term (which is not true), but because it believes the measures affecting the interests of someone. But, of course, later you start, later will come the benefits of reforms. But, above all, the choices of investors who buy our government bonds are driven so as to immediate financial conveniences, but – mettiamocelo in the head – are also guided by their expectations about how Italy will be in ten or twenty years, will expire when the securities they buy today.

So, there is no gap between the things we do today, or today or start, even if they have effects far, because even investors who reward us or punish us, act today, but also look to the distant effects.

Even gradual reforms that have effects on growth, by influencing the expectations of investors, may be reflected in an immediate reduction in interest rates, with positive effects on growth itself.

The sacrifices necessary to reduce debt and to restore growth to be equitable. Greater fairness, those measures will be more acceptable and more extensive – I hope – will be the majority in Parliament deems to support them. Fairness means ask what is the effect of reforms not only on the relatively strong components of society, those who have the strength of association, but also on young people and women. We must realize that, if we fail, and if we do not find the necessary unity of purpose, the spontaneous evolution of the financial crisis will submit to us all, but especially the weaker sections of the population, far more harsh conditions.

The crisis we are experiencing is international: this is obvious, but it is worth repeating it every time, even to avoid demonizing. It is an international …

Pearson (PDL): Tell the left.

Mario Monti, President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Economy and Finance in the interim: I'm telling everyone. It is international, but Italy has been affected in a particular way. According to the European Commission, at the end of next year's gross domestic product of Italy would still be four and a half below the level reached before the crisis. For the same date, the euro area as a whole would have recovered but the loss of product due to the crisis. France and Germany would reach the finish line to regain pre-crisis level this year.

The relative weakness of our economy to the start of the crisis. Between 2001 and 2007 the Italian product grew by 6.7 percentage points, compared with 12 of the euro area average, the 10.8 France 8.3 and Germany. The results are disappointing in the North and South And I do not propose a comparison with China or other emerging countries, but with our colleagues and close friends of the euro area.

The crisis has hit hardest the young. For example, in the 15 countries that made up the EU until 2004, between 2007 and 2010 the unemployment rate in the age group 15-24 years has increased by five percentage points in Italy, of 7.6 percentage points .

Our country is characterized by deep regional disparities. The long period of low growth and have exacerbated the crisis. There is an issue of the South: infrastructure, unemployment, innovation, respect for the law (Applause from the Group PD). The problems of the South does not need to be addressed in the logic of asking for more, but a rational modulation of the resources. There is also a northern question: cost of living, relocation, new poverty, low birth rates. (Applause Senator Valditaro).

The rebalancing of the budget, structural reforms and territorial cohesion require the full and sincere cooperation between the different institutional levels. It should recognize the constitutional status of special autonomy, the dual-track responsibility and reciprocity. (Applause Fosson of senators, and Peterlini Mariapia Garavaglia).

With this in mind, to respond to the request made by local institutions, which, I must say, I listened very carefully …

CASTLES (LNP): Guys, a little 'enthusiasm, applaud! (Comments from the Group PD).

CHAIRMAN. Colleagues, please.

Mario Monti, President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Economy and Finance in the interim: If you make a choice – I would speak to all – listen, not applauded. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI-I NC-Southern Railway, IDV, and mixed).

Do not repeat the importance of the constitutional status of special autonomy, or else come back cheers: I have already said and I've heard.

In this – as I was saying – perrispondere the request made by local institutions in the consultations, I decided to take this first step directly into the skills related to regional affairs. I hope in this way to express a shared awareness about the fact that the joint work with territorial autonomy should be continued and strengthened, despite the difficult economic agenda. In this perspective, we must act without delay to the effective use of EU structural funds.

I am aware that it would be excessive ambition on my part and our part expect to resolve in a period of time, which is what separates us from the end of this term, the problems have deep roots and which are rooted in the habits and behaviors Consolidated. What we aim to do is set the work, by developing tools that enable governments that succeed us to continue a process of lasting change.

To which I put this program now consists of two parts, which have different objectives and time horizons. On the one hand, there is a series of measures to tackle the emergency, ensure the sustainability of public finances, restoring confidence in our country's ability to react and support sustainable growth and balanced. On the other hand, is to outline concrete steps with a project to modernize the economic and social structures, in order to expand opportunities for businesses, youth, women and all citizens, in a context of renewed social cohesion and Territorial.

Given the urgency with which we had to work for the formation of this government – and in this sense I want to thank the various political forces, to me, figure alien to your world, you are going to listen politely and promptly and the provision of grants, of which I tried to take into account – that I intend to do now is simply to present the essential aspects of the action we intend to do. If we get the confidence of Parliament, each Minister shall be liable to the relevant parliamentary committees through which the policies in individual sectors, these actions will be initiated.

It is under discussion in Parliament a bill to introduce a constitutional balanced budget constraint for the government, in line with the commitments made in the Eurogroup. The adoption of a rule of this kind can help to maintain over time a balanced budget planned for 2013, ensuring that the results achieved with intensive rehabilitation to be eroded in subsequent years, as happened in the past. For the bond to be effective, must be clarified responsibilities for each level of government.

In this regard, and also in view of the complexity of the rule – for example, with regard to the adjustment for the cycle – you should study the experience of some European countries that have independent authority entrusted to the assessment of substantial compliance with the rule, since that in this matter against the credibility of ourselves and the world is an essential requirement. You will also need to quickly implement the harmonization of public budgets. Appropriately, the bill under discussion in Parliament already provides for the allocation of legislative power to the State on the harmonization of public budgets.

In the immediate future, we will give full effect to the operations launched over the summer, completing them through interventions in line with the letter of intent sent to the European authorities. In the coming weeks we will evaluate the need for further corrective.

A significant part of the planned correction of balances during the summer is expected from the implementation of the reform of tax and welfare. We send as soon as possible to a definition of this reform and a prudential assessment of its effects. They must also be identified interventions to fill any gap with those contained in the budget package.

In front of the sacrifices that have been and will be required of citizens, are unavoidable measures to contain the costs of operating the elected bodies. Those elected officials, politically appointed managers in private companies financed with public resources, in general people representing institutions at every level of political and administrative will to act with restraint and attention to cost containment, and giving a real signal Immediate. It should strengthen the work carried out with the latest maneuvers of public finance, with the aim to align quickly to European best practices. To the best of my direct responsibility, will immediately fund a spending review only the Presidency of the Council.

I also have to reduce the overlap between the levels of decision making and facilitate the integrated management of services for local small enterprises. The reorganization of competence of the provinces may be provided by ordinary law. The expected specific amendment to the Constitution will complete the process, allowing the complete removal, as well as expected commitments with Europe. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI, IDV, and Mixed-AS-MPA).

To ensure the structural nature of the reduction of expenditure of the ministries, with the law firm of stability, will quickly set the program for the reorganization of the expenditure required by law September 14, 2011, No 148, in particular as regards the operational integration of tax agencies, the streamlining of all the peripheral structures of state administration, coordination of law enforcement activities, the consolidation of institutions of public security, the rationalization of 'judicial organization. The interventions will be coordinated with the current spending review, which I intend to strengthen and make it especially effective with the precise identification of time and responsibility.

In recent years the social security legislation was the subject of repeated interventions, which have made the Italian pension system under the most sustainable in Europe and among the most able to absorb any adverse shocks. Already, the retirement age in the case of old age, taking into account the so-called windows, is higher than that of workers in Germany and France. But our pension system is characterized by wide disparities in treatment between different generations and groups of workers, as well as areas of unjustified privilege.

Compliance with the rules and institutions, and the fight lawlessness, will receive priority attention from this Government. To regain confidence in the future we must trust in the institutions that characterize a rule of law. So, fight tax evasion and illegal. Not only to increase the revenue (which is good), but also to reduce the rates. This can be done effectively, paying particular attention to monitoring of the accumulated wealth (I said monitoring) and not just income.

Tax evasion continues to be an important phenomenon: the added value quantified in official statistics is submerged in nearly one-fifth of the product. Reaching measures in this field can reduce the burden of adjustment on taxpayers who comply with the rules. It should further lower the threshold for the use of cash, encourage greater use of electronic money, accelerate the sharing of information between various government, enhance and operate measuring instruments inductive income and improve the quality of investigations.

Legislative Decree No. 23 of 14 March 2011 provides for the entry into force of the 2014 municipal tax which will absorb the current ICI (but excluding the first house) and the income tax on income from property is not leased land, including its additional. In this framework we intend to review the weight of the levy on property wealth. Among the major European countries, Italy is characterized by a levy on property that is particularly low in comparison. The exemption ICI housing is key, always in an international comparison, a peculiarity – if we do not want to call it failure – of our tax system.

The first list of real estate assets held for sale will be launched on schedule defined by the law of stability, ie by 30 April 2012. The letter of intent sent to the European Commission expects earnings of "at least 5 billion annually in the next three years." To do this you will define a precise calendar for the next steps of the plan for the disposal and use of public property.

But you need to turn all public policies, both macroeconomic and microeconomic level, in support of growth, albeit within the limits that are determined by the budget constraint.

The tax burden in Italy is high by historical and international law (in the written text that is available to give you additional elements). In time, as they will manifest the effects of the spending review, you can schedule a gradual reduction of tax burden. But even before, the same yield, the composition of taxation can be modified to make it more conducive to growth. Consistent with the design of tax and the delegation accompanying the safeguard clause, a weight reduction of taxes and contributions on labor and production activity, funded by an increase in the levy on consumption and property, would support growth without affecting the budget. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI and IDV).

On the expenditure side, a boost to economic activity may result from an increased involvement of private capital in infrastructure construction. Tax incentives established by a law of stability are a first step, but it is also necessary to take action on the regulation of project financing, thereby reducing the risk associated with administrative procedures. It should also work to achieve the targets set at European level with the Digital Agenda.

With the agreement of social partners need to be reformed institutions of the labor market, to move away from a dual market where some are too protected while others are completely devoid of safeguards and insurance in case of unemployment. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, IDV, and Mixed-AS-MPA).

The reforms in this area will have the dual purpose of making our system more equitable for the protection of labor and social security and also to facilitate the growth of productivity, taking into account the heterogeneity that characterizes the Italian economy in particular. In any case, the new system will be designed that will be applied to new working relationships to offer them a truly universal discipline, and will not change the relationship of work to be regular and stable. (Applause from the PDL and PD groups).

We intend to pursue moving the center of gravity of collective bargaining to the workplace, as we are asked by the European authorities and how the social partners have already begun to do. This is accompanied by a consistent discipline of support for people without a job to facilitate the mobility and reintegration into the labor market, surpassing the current segmentation. More mobility between companies and sectors is essential to accommodate the transformation of the Italian economy and drive growth. It is necessary to bridge the gap that was created between the guarantees and benefits offered by the use of fixed-term contracts and permanent contracts, surpassing the risks and uncertainties that discourage businesses to use them. Taking into account the budgetary constraints, it should initiate a systematic reform of social safety nets, to ensure that every worker will not be without coverage against the risks of temporary loss of employment. We have to face a crisis, we have to deal with structural change, but we must try to avoid the anxieties that accompany these processes. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI, IDV, and Mixed-AS-MPA). It is also necessary to maintain a constant pressure in fighting and prevention of undeclared work.

One of the factors that distinguish Italy in the European context is the increased difficulty of entry or stay in a condition of employment of women. Ensure the full inclusion of women in all aspects of working life, but also social and civil, the country is a matter not be deferred. It is necessary to address the issues regarding the reconciliation of family life with work, promotion of birth (Applause Peterlini Carloni and senators) and the sharing of responsibilities related to maternity or paternity by both parents, as well as studying the opportunity of a tax preference for women. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI and IDV).

Then there is a problem due to an aging population, which translates into increased costs for families. Will then be paid attention to care for the elderly, an issue of growing concern today is a more urgent in families, in a time when they face increasing difficulties. (Applause from the Group PD).

Finally, special attention should be secured to the prospects for young people, I would say "finally" in the sense of how the end of all our actions. This will be one of the major priorities of this Government, in the belief that what restricts the opportunities for young people often resulting in fewer opportunities for growth and social mobility for the entire country. We must ask ourselves the goal of eliminating all the constraints that prevent young people today to exploit their potential based on individual merit, regardless of the social situation of departure. For this reason, I consider it important place in government measures that enhance individual skills and eliminate all forms of co-optation. Italy needs to invest in his talents: he must be her, Italy, proud of his talents, and not become an entity of which his talents are not always proud. For this mobility is our best ally: social mobility, but also geographical, not only within our country, but especially in the wider horizon of European and global labor market.

The last point I want to briefly introduce – and I hope it is a distinctive feature of our Executive, if you will allow to ours, or yours, Government of birth – is that of micro-economic policies for growth.

A credible return to higher growth rates should be based on measures to raise the human and physical capital and total factor productivity.

The value of human capital must be a central aspect. You will need to aim to increasing levels of education of the workforce, which are still well below the European average, even among the youngest. Will contribute to targeted interventions on schools and lagging areas – including by identifying the needs INVALSI elaborate tests – and the revision of the system of selection, allocation and development of teachers. In the university, launched the decrees of the reform law passed last year, is now required to swiftly and rigorously implement the incentive mechanisms based on the assessment provided by the reform.

Investments in infrastructure, which has so often and justly spoken in over the years, are important factors to increase the total productivity of the economy. To this end, we have for the first time to be taken up in the organic structure of government development policies in the real economy with the attribution to a single minister of economic development expertise and infrastructure and transport. This almost wants to indicate visually and in terms of organization of the Government that equal attention should be attributed to central and what keeps the country stable, financial discipline, and what it allows you to grow and, therefore, to remain stable in the long term, fact that growth.

It should also remove the structural obstacles to growth, strengths and addressing corporate closures. In this sense, we need a coherent plan aims: to reduce the burden and the risk associated with the administrative procedures to encourage competition, with particular reference to the reorganization of the rules of the regulated professions, including giving effect to the provisions in the law of stability on minimum rates. We also intend to strengthen the means of intervention of the Competition and the market in the event of legislative or administrative provisions, state or local, which distorts competition, increase the quality of public services, as part of a move to reduce the deficit of local competition, reduce the time of the civil justice in order to bridge the gap with other countries, including through the reduction of judicial offices; remove obstacles to growth in the size of businesses, including through delegation tax.

A significant rise in the rate of growth is essential not only the financial balance, but also of civil and social progress. In this sense, a strategy for more growth is not possible without a determined and effective fight against organized crime mafias and all, going to affect the economic interests of organizations and their infiltration into the legal economy. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI-I NC-Southern Railway, IDV, and Mixed-MPA-AS) .

The consolidation of public finances and the boost to growth will contribute to strengthen Italy's position in Europe and, more generally, our foreign policy. Vocation Europeanist, Atlantic solidarity, relations with our strategic partners, opening of markets, national and international security will remain the cornerstones of this policy. Here I want to remember our soldiers engaged in missions abroad, the armed forces and law enforcement officials, who are at the forefront in defending our values and democracy. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI-I NC-Southern Railway, IDV, Mixed-MPA-AS and from the government benches). Italy needs a foreign policy consistent with our commitments and a recovery initiative in areas where there are significant national interests.

I forgot to tell you about soldiers engaged in missions abroad, even if you do not see these banks our colleague the Minister of Defence is because the other night I woke up at three in the morning in Afghanistan, thinking it was a Brussels, where it has its ordinary work. I first noticed a hesitation and then enthusiastic acceptance of the proposal. (Applause from the PDL and PD groups). Here is an example of military involvement abroad is doing somersaults to get to swear in the hands of the Head of State in the coming hours. Sorry so its absence.

The severity of the current situation requires a prompt and decisive in the creation of conditions conducive to growth, in pursuit of a balanced budget, with structural and equitable distribution of sacrifice.

The attempt which we intend to do, ladies and senators, and urge you to support it is very difficult. It 'very hard, otherwise I suspect I would not be here today. The margins of success are much smaller, as noted by the President of the Republic, after years of conflicts and confrontations in national politics.

If we seize this opportunity together to start a constructive dialogue on choices and basic objectives, we have the opportunity to redeem the country and we can restore confidence in its institutions. (Applause from Groups PdL, PD, SVP-UDC-AUT: UV-MAIE-VN-MRE-PLI-PSI, To the Third Pole: API-FLI-I NC-Southern Railway, IDV, Mixed-MPA-AS, Senators Columbus, Goshawk, Del Pennino and the government benches. Congratulations.)