The main contender centre-right "House of Liberties" led by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, produced a 20-page electoral program which is 261 pages fewer than the one offered to voters by its adversary centre-left union led by former Prime Minister Romano Prodi.

The program begins with an overview of what the Berlusconi government did during its last five years in power. With a total of 36 reforms approved, the centre-right says it has already achieved more than all Italy's postwar governments put together.

    The following are the main points in the program:

¡¡¡¡Family

    The centre-right coalition promises to continue the so-called "baby bonus" which was introduced in the last budget. This provides for a 1,000-euro (about 1,200 U.S. dollars) payment to families who had a baby in 2005. It also proposes providing free baby milk for poor families and financial help for young couples renting homes.

    Tax

    The centre-right program promises to continue the fiscal reform and contains a commitment to reduce the tax burden to below 40 percent of GDP. It currently stands at 40.5 percent, compared with 41.2 percent when Berlusconi came to power in 2001.

    Part of the platform involves what it calls "fiscal federalism." This is the idea that a large part of the tax revenue generated in a region should stay there and be used to improve services. The centre-right says this will reduce tax evasion. Berlusconi has also promised to abolish council taxes on people's primary homes if elected.

    Economic growth

    Like Prodi, Berlusconi plans a reduction in payroll taxes and contributions to help make businesses more competitive. It envisages a 3-percent cut over five years. The document notes that the Berlusconi government has already made a cut of 1 percent. The program pledges to help firms by cutting IRAP, a regional corporate tax, and detaxing profits which are reinvested in production.

    State accounts

    The centre-right's plan for the next five years envisages selling shares in state assets to help reduce the national debt. With total debt again on the rise and standing at more than 106 percent of GDP, Italy is under pressure from the European Union to bring it closer to the 60-percent target written into Europe's stability and growth pact.

    Jobs and public works

    The centre-right promises to create "a million more jobs," particularly in the south. It also says it will complete 125 major public works projects which were begun over the last five years as part of a 10-year drive to upgrade national infrastructure. One of the projects is a bridge linking Sicily to mainland Italy, which the centre-left's program says should be suspended.

    Pensions and over-70s

    The program contains a pledge to raise minimum pensions from 551 euros (about 661 dollars) to 800 euros (about 960 dollars) over the next five years. It also proposes a series of advantages for people over 70, including free rail travel, exemption from paying a TV license and discounted or free access to cinemas, theaters and soccer matches.

    Justice and security

    There is also a promise to continue reforming the judicial system. A key point is the complete separation of the roles of judges and prosecutors. It also promises tougher penalties for robbery, drug-pushing and violence against women and minors.

    Foreign policy

    The program says the government has raised Italy's international credibility since 2001. If re-elected, it says it will build on that. "We will reaffirm our commitment to Europe (respecting budget rules and community norms), to our alliance with the United States and to the promotion of free and democratic institutions in the world," it says. Enditem