"On the Mes exaggerated and political debate. The problem of Italy is that it does not grow" – Repubblica.it

MILAN – "Italy woke up late. There is still time for some changes, but it is an exaggerated debate that does not reflect the true nature of the Mes". Mauro Pisu, from his desk at the OECD, leads the team that at regular intervals puts the Italian public finances and government measures under the lens, often leaving behind in the name of structural reforms that, from Rome, are slow to come. From his observatory, the great debate that has developed around the reform of the European save-state fund is mounted by politics. "Italy can ask for a postponement on its approval, it is the prerogative of Parliament and European partners should have no problem understanding that it is part of the democratic process. But concrete proposals are something different from unconditional criticism and Parliament must move on to discuss on this level ".Pisu, is Italy in danger of losing the recently recovered European credibility capital?
It is not an attack on the European unit to ask for more time to verify some issues and make improvements. But it is not equally true that the Mes is a pistol pointed at the temple of Italy. Facilitating the restructuring of a debt, in the event of serious difficulties, means freeing oneself from being held hostage by creditors-vultures. It is a guarantee to avoid speculative behavior by investors.

He is in Italy for the Business International Executive Summit. There is talk of economic prospects for 2020: which of Italy?
Over the next two years it will grow very moderately, we forecast 0.4 and 0.5 per cent respectively. A much slower pace than in other European countries and worldwide, despite being accelerating. Italy pays the international situation, unfavorable both for the war of duties and for the low confidence that has damaged the investments.When others grow up, we do less. When they slow down, we brake suddenly. A problem that seems to repeat itself equal to itself ..
The low growth in productivity, which has lasted since the mid-nineties, is the first of the Italian problems. The factors are manifold, starting with the low rate of innovation of Italian companies. It is right to be proud of our niche sectors – such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnologies, specialized mechanics – but we must ask ourselves: can these only tow the rest of the country? If we look at the general average of innovative investments, the delay compared to other European countries is evident.

The latest OECD forecasts for Italy

More ballast?
The inefficiency of the public administration, always compared to the other developed countries. A high level of taxation does not correspond to quality public services. Let's talk about the times of justice, of the complications for obtaining certifications and permits: they all become costs for companies.

In the last analysis on Italy, the OECD calls for a medium-long term tax reform. What recipes?
The first pillar should be the struggle without quarter to tax evasion.

Receipt lottery, deductions linked to the use of electronic payments. Any provision is taking shape, how do you judge it?
Well, they go in the right direction. But more needs to be done. On the roof of cash use, it is possible to go below 2 thousand euros. There is more space to reward electronic payments, as Greece has aggressively done. In our opinion it is right to introduce mechanisms that link the availability of household spending, calculated on the basis of income, to incentives to be attributed to the final balance of expenses for the year: if you have reached a level of cashless spending, you receive a bonus.

The controversy then shifts to the costs of these instruments.
Creating the habit of paying cashless is essential. Banks must do their part. If the turnover linked to payment with cards increases, but the costs do not go down, it is right that the competition authorities intervene to limit the excessively high tariffs.

Since last April you have pigeonholed the pension reform of Quota 100. Disappointed by the government's decision to bring it to fruition, only to not renew it?
Our analyzes are based on the economic and social needs of Italy, then the policy can take into account different interests. Our position is always the same: the resources for Quota 100 are misused. They should be targeted at policies that can help the entry of new young workers, by lowering the permanent tax wedge. The effects unfold over the years, it is a medium-long term journey.

Suggest then to reduce the tax expenditure, especially those harmful to the environment. On the plastic tax and on company cars, steps have been taken, but they seem to have been largely removed: missed opportunities?
Also in this case the government had to reverse, but the basic initiatives are positive. Sustainable growth is an inescapable fact for OECD countries and for maintaining the quality of life of future generations. However, it must be implemented with a concrete, multi-year program: companies and individuals must be able to adapt to the new tax, consumption and production system. If from tomorrow to tomorrow I introduce a tax that risks putting a slice of production out of business and creating unemployment, it is clear that a considerable and insurmountable opposition is being created. It must be a gradual transition, a transition phase is needed to give companies and citizens time to adapt.