Simona Bonafè, the parliamentary group leader of the Democratic Party (PD) in the Constitutional Affairs Commission, expresses strong disapproval of the Italian government's recent decision to retract the tax credit for paper publishers. This action is seen as a clear indication that the government lacks interest in ensuring pluralism and maintaining a strong and free press capable of informing citizens. Bonafè described the maneuver as embarrassing and stated that her party dissociated itself from what they consider a shameful operation by voting against the government's amendment.

Bonafè elaborates that when the tax credit was initially proposed, it enjoyed bipartisan support. The credit was intended to renew the 30% tax break for publishers up to 40 million euros annually, alongside a re-financing of a funding body established in 2020. However, instead of extending the tax credit as expected, the government's revised proposal diverted the funds from this initiative to finance reimbursements for postal services instead, a move she deemed inappropriate and bordering on unacceptable.

The implications of this decision are significant as it raises concerns about the future of press financing in Italy, especially during a time when media organizations struggle to survive financially. The withdrawal of support for publishers could lead to challenges in maintaining diverse media voices and could hinder the public's access to comprehensive and unbiased information, potentially affecting democratic discourse in the country.