Italian Minister Urges Postal Liberalization

Italy’s postal system requires more competition than allowed at present, Italy’s European Affairs Minister Rocco Buttiglione said on Wednesday. ‘Further liberalisation is required for the postal market,’ said Buttiglione, who was speaking at a Rome conference held by the Italian international air couriers’ association AICAI. While Buttiglione did not specify what degree of liberalisation he favoured, he said that essential services should remain the preserve of the post office. Italy’s post office has a monopoly on mail weighing below 350g or costing less than 3.1 euros.