Italy looks for over 1.5 bln euros in welfare savings in 2019

Italy plans to exceed its 1.5 billion euros ($1.7 billion) in estimated savings this year on pensions and a new 'citizens' wage' scheme, Economy Minister Giovanni Tria said on Tuesday.

Tria told lawmakers that savings expected for next year would be used to offset a planned hike in value-added tax. ($1 = 0.8919 euros)

Also Read: Italy's Salvini angers Conte by muscling into budget debate