Italy’s Tajani ‘Absolutely’ Opposed to Tax on Corporate Buybacks

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani spoke out against a potential plan to tax corporate stock buybacks, adding to his track record of vocal opposition to higher taxes.

Tajani, who also serves as foreign minister, said on Friday he was “absolutely opposed” to the potential measure. “It serves nothing, it scares away investors.”

Antonio Tajani

Photographer: Neil Hall/EPA/Bloomberg

His comments to reporters came on the sidelines of the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio, Italy, an annual gathering of Italy’s business and political elite on the shores of Lake Como.

“The fewer taxes are levied, the better,” Tajani said. “The virtuous principle is to reduce taxes. ...