Blocking refreshments, tensions with Ticino (cross-border guide)

Contesto

In brief - The Canton of Ticino has blocked cross-border workers' rebates in response to the health tax provided by Italy. - Jonny Crosio, Deputy Federal Secretary of the Pact for the North party, criticizes the decision as arbitrary and paradoxical. - The Italian measure has not yet come into force, while the Ticino blockade is already in place. ## Key facts - What: Blocking cross-border commuters' rebates. - When: Decision of the Ticino Council of State. - Where: Canton of Ticino. - Who: Jonny Crosio, Deputy Federal Secretary of the Pact for the North party. - Amount: Not specified. The blocking of rebates, as expected, is generating reactions and controversy. Among these there are those who take it out as much on Lombardi as on the Canton of Ticino. 'Today the Lombardy Region and the Canton of Ticino share one more thing: an embarrassing political improvisation. Unfortunately, I have to note with regret that our friends from Ticino have managed to do even worse than the Lombardy Region.' This is how Jonny Crosio, Deputy Federal Secretary of the Pact for the North party and former Senator of the Republic, intervenes, commenting on the decision of the Ticino Council of State to proceed with a 'precautionary' block of cross-border workers' rebates in response to the hypothesis of a health tax envisaged by Italy. ### The decision of the Canton of Ticino For the Lombard government, at the moment, the intention to impose the health tax on the 'old' cross-border workers remains a wishful thinking on paper. "Since it has not yet been implemented, there has been no violation of the Constitution or any unilateral amendment of international agreements. On the contrary, the Ticino Government, by blocking the rebates, is carrying out a dangerous arbitrary and concrete act, which in fact makes Bellinzona go to the wrong side, violating agreements already signed.' ### The political nonsense The Deputy Secretary of the Pact for the North then emphasizes the clamorous political nonsense that lies behind the Canton's maneuver: 'We are faced with a government action that has ironic contours, to say the least. The Ticino response is in fact paradoxical: to counter an Italian measure which, if it ever comes into force, would reduce the competitive advantage of old cross-border workers, what does the Ticino government do? Block rebates. In short, they are protesting against a tax that could even favor Ticino resident workers, who have been denouncing wage pressure for years. A real logical and political short circuit.' ### The appeal to common sense 'The bitter observation remains that cross-border relations cannot be managed with spitefulness and reprisals,' concludes Crosio. 'Our border municipalities, which rely on rebates to provide services to citizens, and the frontier workers themselves, cannot be used as hostages or as bargaining chips in a race to see who can shoot the biggest. It is imperative that we immediately return to the tracks of international law and common sense: the politics of announcements and spitefulness only and exclusively damages the territories.'

Dettagli operativi

Practical implications for cross-border commuters The blocking of rebates has immediate consequences for cross-border commuters working in Ticino. Rebates represent a significant part of income for many cross-border workers, and their suspension can have a significant impact on their household budget. In addition, the decision of the Canton of Ticino could lead to a reduction in the services provided by border municipalities, which largely depend on rebates to finance their activities. ### Comparison with the previous situation Before the lockdown, cross-border commuters could rely on rebates as an additional source of income. The suspension of this source of income could force many workers to revise their budget and make difficult choices. In addition, the decision of the Canton of Ticino could lead to a reduction in the services provided by border municipalities, which largely depend on rebates to finance their activities. ### Possible scenarios If the health tax in Italy never comes into force, the blocking of rebates could prove to be a useless and harmful measure for cross-border commuters. On the other hand, if the tax comes into force, cross-border commuters could find themselves in an even more difficult situation, with double taxation. ### The importance of cross-border dialogue The current situation underlines the importance of dialogue between the Italian and Swiss authorities to find solutions that respect international agreements and protect the rights of cross-border workers. The policy of announcements and spitefulness only and exclusively damages the territories and workers, and must be avoided at all costs.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Punti chiave

What to do if you are a cross-border commuter If you are a cross-border commuter working in Ticino, it is important that you are informed about the latest news regarding rebates. You can use our calculator to estimate the impact of the lockdown on your income and plan accordingly. In addition, we recommend that you follow the news and updates on the negotiations between the Italian and Swiss authorities to understand how the situation will evolve. ### Useful tools - Calcolatore stipendio: to estimate the impact of the rebate freeze on your income. - Comparatore cambio CHF/EUR: to monitor exchange rate fluctuations and plan accordingly. - Guida ai ristorni: to better understand how rebates work and what your rights are. ### Conclusion The current situation requires attention and vigilance on the part of all cross-border commuters. It is important to stay informed and use the tools available to better plan your future. The policy of announcements and spitefulness only and exclusively damages the territories and workers, and must be avoided at all costs.

Source: comozero.it