Banks, Tajani: "No to voluntary contributions." Lega: "They should give up part of their earnings for scrapping."

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani didn't like the proposal launched by his colleague, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, at the Lega Nord festival in Cervia on Thursday evening: "A voluntary and spontaneous contribution from the banks to be distributed to Italian workers." From Reggio Calabria, where he is attending Forza Italia's Southern Italy general assembly, the Forza Italia secretary retorted remotely: "On principle, I am opposed to even mentioning the word 'tax'. Banks must do their duty, like all citizens and businesses. Harassing banks is meaningless."

"Banks," he adds, "collect savings, issue loans, and must abide by the rules and pay taxes like everyone else. We shouldn't scare investors by saying we're raising taxes. The League has its own opinions, we have ours, which are completely different."

Tajani believes that banks "must pay taxes and contribute, but through their involvement and not through threats. We mustn't scare foreign investors or the markets. Things can't be achieved by threatening taxes. We need to talk and engage. Banks must do their part, but they can't be labeled public enemy number one."

The League responded with a statement, explaining: "Reducing taxes for those who work is our priority. While banks earned over €46 billion in 2024 alone, millions of Italians are struggling with tax bills and past debts. Tax peace and the definitive cancellation of tax bills, with arrears to be paid in equal monthly installments over ten years (without penalties or interest), are absolute priorities, beneficial to the state and citizens. And if to achieve this, banks must surrender a minimal portion of their enormous profits, the League believes it is right to do so."