Overview

• In a televised interview, François Bayrou accused Italy of practicing 'dumping fiscal' to attract wealthy foreign taxpayers.
• Giorgia Meloni rejected the charge as 'totally unfounded' and noted her government doubled the flat levy for new residents.
• Foreign minister Antonio Tajani said he was 'stupefied,' called Bayrou's view an 'erroneous analysis,' and insisted Italy is not a tax haven.
• Italy has offered a flat tax on foreign income for new residents since 2017, set at €100,000 and raised to €200,000 in August 2024.
• Bayrou made the accusation while opposing the proposed 'taxe Zucman,' warning of fiscal exodus, as he prepares to seek a confidence vote on 8 September with key opposition parties saying they will not back him.