Monti reduces Pope's tax privileges

Italy's Prime Minister Mario Monti informed the Vatican on Thursday that in future real estate belonging to the Church will also be subject to taxes. Finally a European head of government is heeding the will of the people and scrapping outdated privileges, writes the left-liberal daily Le Soir: "The times are hard for the people of Europe. But the austerity measures that have been imposed will only be accepted if they are just and proportional. The austerity must be carried out in an ethical way, and our leaders must show that everyone is expected to contribute and that privileges are being curtailed. ... Popular revolutions always start with a sense of flagrant injustice and inequality. The leaders must be courageous and implement the austerity measures equitably, without protecting anyone. They will only be all the more legitimate and respected for doing so. Impossible? Each day Monti proves the contrary. He gives us hope that it's possible to turn the situation around with a dignified, resolute but also just handling of this unprecedented crisis."

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