Asset sales are no panacea for Italy’s debt malady

ROME, June 5 (Reuters) – Italy’s plan to raise around 20 billion euros ($22 billion) over three years by selling state assets to rein in debt is almost certain to fall short of its targets due to persistent political and regulatory hurdles, analysts and officials say.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government announced last September the initiative as part of attempts to manage a public debt seen hovering around 140% of gross domestic product in 2026. The assets earmarked for sale include stakes in postal service Poste Italiane (PST.MI), opens new tab and railway group Ferrovie dello Stato.