Conte said that the tax is not intended to be a “punitive” measure that will unduly penalise companies, but is directed toward benefitting the environment.
He hopes that the tax demonstrates the current government’s willingness to aim toward a greener future.
Conte has also defended the proposed 2020 budget against claims that it is a “budget of taxes”, saying that “it cannot be called a ‘budget of taxes’ just because of a few specific and limited measures designed to safeguard the environment and the health of the people”.
As part of the proposed budget, a tax will also be placed on the use of company cars.
The budget also provides for a new fund of €2.5 billion, to be used between 2021 and 2034 on increasing the places available in preschool care.
The fund has been established for the renovation or construction of council owned buildings which are to be restructured as preschool facilities.
“For the first time, we are putting in place an organic action on kindergartens,” deputy minister of economy Laura Castelli said.
Education minister Lorenzo Fioramonti said that he is fighting for more resources to be distributed to schools, universities and research.
“Schools, universities and research are the conditions for development of our country,” Fioramonti said.
“At the moment, our resources are insufficient.”
