The 2019 budget law may increase Italy-EU tensions
Significance Finance Minister Giovanni Tria is aiming to implement gradually the government programme, funded by both deficit and cost-cutting measures within the limits allowed by EU treaties. Meanwhile, the two coalition parties are calling for more fiscal room to implement their flagship promises. Impacts The government could increase its deficit targets to 1.9% and 1.6% of GDP in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Italian assets will remain volatile with high risk premiums until the government clarifies its position on public finances. In case of a new government, an M5S-Democratic Party coalition seems the most politically achievable, although perhaps not the most viable. If fresh elections are called, they will be held in early 2019 at the earliest.