Spokesman Rocco Casalino’s threats were recorded by two Huffington Post journalists and posted on La Repubblica’s website before going viral.
The audio clip comes just days before Italy’s populist government is due to present an annual budget amid rising tension over how it will fund its proposed measures.
“The year 2019 will be dedicated to eliminating a tide of members of the finance ministry,” Casalino, a member of the Five Star Movement, said in the recording.
Casalino on Sunday responded to the recording, by claiming it was made during a “private conversation” with the journalists.
He said the leaking of the audio was a violation of confidentiality.
The Huffington Post later refuted this comment.
Casalino also claimed that the government had no intention to follow through with his aggressive comments.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte echoed this statement.
“I take this opportunity to confirm the government is fully at one and united in drawing up the budget,” Conte said.
Italy’s new coalition government made a series of promises in a joint program, claiming they would be funded by the nation’s economic growth.
The pledges, which include tax cuts and a basic income for the unemployed and those living on lower wages, have been estimated to cost up to €100 billion.
The government said it will seek to increase its deficit in 2019 so it can spend more on attempts to boost Italy’s economic growth.
