Spritpreis: Italien streicht Kfz-Steuer, Frankreich rabattiert mehrere Branchen

Italia decided to eliminate the vehicle tax for a majority of vehicles in the coming year, in an effort to relieve citizens amid high fuel prices. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated, "We are abolishing an unpopular tax." The measure aims to relieve families and needy citizens, with estimates suggesting it will cost the Italian government 2.3 billion Euros.

The tax exemption applies to cars, motorcycles, and motorbikes with up to 80 kilowatts or 110 horsepower. Each citizen can claim the exception for a maximum of one vehicle. The government estimates it will affect 14.5 million vehicles. Meanwhile, Rome unveiled a strategy to gradually phase out the current fuel tax rebate: The rebate was extended until early October, with a reduction from 12.2 cents to 6.1 cents per liter of diesel.

Meloni, facing pressure internally, believes the fuel price reduction is too expensive and not effective enough. With elections approaching, she aims to more effectively relieve citizens. Her right-wing party faces competition from the National Future party, led by former General Roberto Vannacci, who calls for resuming gas imports from Russia to lower energy costs.

The tax exemption is initially planned for 2027, but Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti has already indicated the government's efforts to keep the measure permanent. Critics argue that Meloni plans to fund the vehicle tax exemption using unspent funds from the Next Generation EU recovery fund, which are non-spending. However, these funds are earmarked.

In France, pressure on the government due to high fuel prices remains, but political space is limited: Fishermen have been blocking access to an oil depot in Frontignan for several days, and the harbors of Nice and Sète were blocked on Thursday morning. Further protests from public service, police, and the energy sector are expected.

Concerns are growing about a new mobilization wave similar to the Yellow Vest protests, which were triggered by plans to increase fuel taxes in 2018. Today, fuel prices are significantly higher than they were then. French President Emmanuel Macron called for a "total mobilization" of the government to ensure supply and control prices.

However, no general fuel discount for all drivers is possible due to the tight budget situation. Instead, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu extended targeted aid for particularly affected sectors until December 31, 2026. Farmers will continue to receive a 15-cent discount per liter of fuel, fishermen will receive 35 cents instead of the previous 25 cents per liter, and low-income workers can apply for a one-time fuel benefit of 100 Euros. More: The German fuel rebate and the real satire with the bank numbers - an analysis.