RAI can’t be privatized before 2016, says deputy economy min
(ANSA) – Rome, November 22 – Italy’s State broadcaster RAI will not be privatized before 2016, Deputy Economy Minister Antonio Catricala’ told Radio 24 on Friday.
“We would be selling a worthless asset,” said Catricala’.
RAI operates under a license set to expire in 2016.
Catricala’ said he previously spoke about RAI’s privatization when the concession was far from its expiration date.
Members of Italy’s fractious left-right government including Premier Enrico Letta have not ruled out the possibility of privatizing RAI, which is partly financed by a mandatory annual TV license fee.
On Thursday, Letta announced the government would raise up to 12 billion euros from the sale of state-owned stakes in several companies including oil and gas giant Eni. RAI was not included in the privatization plan.
Half the proceeds from the sale, which should net between 10 billion euros and 12 billion euros, will be used to fund economic stimulus measures.
The other half will be applied to reducing Italy’s debt, Letta said on Thursday, adding that the privatization package was only the first with more sales likely in the future.