Will the Government respect the will of the Italians or put their hands in the pockets of the Third Sector? The current legislation imposes a maximum limit of 525 million euros on funds allocated to the 5×1000; however, the surge in signatures in 2023 will lead to exceeding this threshold by more than 20 million euros… what will happen to them?
In 2023, over 17 million Italians chose to allocate their 5×1000, with an increase of over 700 thousand signatures compared to the previous year. Already in 2022, the signatures had increased by nearly 200 thousand after two years of decline, but 2023 marks a true record.
This growth in adherence to the 5×1000 is an important signal, especially at a time in history when political participation is at an all-time low, with abstention rates exceeding 50%, not only among the youth. Additionally, volunteering in traditional organizations shows clear signs of fatigue also due to legislation that, instead of favoring it, seems to prefer putting obstacles in its way.
However, there is a serious threat looming over the 5×1000: the budget cap set at 525 million euros. This means that, regardless of the actual amount allocated by taxpayers, the State will not disburse more to the entities than what is provided for with this threshold. This limit represents, in my opinion, a legalized scam in the saddest “Italian style” to the detriment of those who believe in the 5×1000 system, non-profit organizations, and the beneficiaries of the supported projects.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance has not yet revealed the total amount allocated by taxpayers, but by multiplying the 730,000 additional signatures by the average value of the 5×1000 per income tax return (about €32), it is clear that the threshold will be exceeded by over 23 million euros.
The growth in adherence to the 5×1000 in this context is particularly significant, but the sword of Damocles of the budget cap continues to hang over the heads of Third Sector entities. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti will have to clarify whether they will respect the will of the taxpayers or if they intend to withdraw resources from the beneficiary entities, all engaged in activities of social interest that often the Italian system fails to address. Considering the growing success of the 5×1000 in recent years, the cap should be eliminated in respect of the choices of Italians.
This situation requires a deep reflection on the political will to truly support the Third Sector, which fills the gaps of the State in crucial areas such as social assistance, health, international cooperation, and education. The current government has repeatedly shown a worrying disregard, if not outright aversion, towards the Third Sector preferring cuts and restrictions that affect the most vulnerable and the organizations that support them.
It is time for this Government to prove that it is truly at the service of the citizens and not its own interests. Removing the 5×1000 cap would be a first concrete step to respect the popular will and effectively support the non-profit organizations that work every day to improve our society; the one this Government “should” serve.
