Italy PM Meloni takes "full responsibility" for bank tax

FILE PHOTO: Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni looks on, as she is welcomed by U.S. President Joe Biden (not pictured), in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, U.S. July 27, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo

MILAN (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday said she took "full responsibility" for last week's shock decision to impose a one-off bank tax that has been criticised for causing lasting damage to her government's credibility with financial markets.

In comments to Italian newspapers Corriere della Sera, la Repubblica and La Stampa, Meloni said the 40% levy had no punitive intentions towards the sector.