Coronavirus: Italy releases an additional 25 billion euros to boost the economy

Italian Council President Giuseppe Conte (here December 28, 2019 in Rome). REUTERS / Guglielmo Mangiapane

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To support the economy of the country brought to its knees by the coronavirus crisis, the Italian government took, Friday August 7, a new series of measures amounting to 25 billion euros. The most important concern the protection of workers and aid to disadvantaged regions in the South.

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Partial unemployment, supported by the state since the end of February, and the ban on layoffs will be extended at least until November 15, according to the decree adopted by the Council of Ministers on Friday, August 7. "  We continue to support citizens, businesses and workers  ", declared the head of government  Giuseppe Conte during a press conference following the Council of Ministers.

With these new measures amounting to 25 billion euros, the government wants to boost employment in the southern regions, strongly affected by the coronavirus crisis , reports our correspondent in Rome, Anne Le Nir . Thus, small and medium-sized enterprises will benefit from a reduction in social security contributions of 30% for any new hire. The decree also provides for the spread over two years of the payment of taxes suspended from March to May, due to the pandemic - which has killed more than 35,000 in Italy .

One hundred billion euros in aid in total

In addition, these new aids introduce a form of non-returnable support for the commercial activities of the historic centers of 29 towns, which are practically deserted by foreign tourists. Regarding cruise and trade fair activities, "  we do not want any new restrictions  ", explained the head of the Italian Council. The new decree therefore provides for "  the restart of cruise ships from August 15  " and the resumption of fairs "  from September 1  ".

By counting the 25 billion that will be released, the government has adopted aid measures for businesses and citizens in the amount of 100 billion euros.

(With AFP )

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  • Italy
  • Coronavirus
  • Giuseppe Conte
  • Economic crisis

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