FORMER PM AND media tycoon Silvio Berlusconi is promising to refund the unpopular home tax if Italians vote him back into office later this month.

He said today that not not only will he abolish the tax on primary residences, but he’ll refund property taxes Premier Mario Monti’s government made them pay in 2012.

Berlusconi abolished the tax when last elected premier in 2008, but Monti, who replaced him in 2011 as Italy sunk into the eurozone debt crisis, revived it to help fill state coffers.

The billionaire told a gathering of supporters Sunday the revenue lost by reimbursing homeowners the €4 billion they paid in property taxes could be compensated by eliminating state financing for political parties, raising cigarette taxes and taxing Italians’ assets in Switzerland.

The populist’s centre-right forces trail a centre-left coalition in opinion polls ahead of 24-25 February elections.

Last week: Opponents outraged as Berlusconi defends Mussolini for Nazi alliance

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Berlusconi tells voters: I will refund your property tax (if I win)

Last week: Opponents outraged as Berlusconi defends Mussolini for Nazi alliance

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.