In particular the 3% ceiling has often been described as “arbitrary” or even “stupid” (Prodi). Of course, by its very nature a rule must be clearly defined and the result of an expression of political will.
This applies to the duties of citizens – for example, the blood alcohol limit for drivers, the deadlines for submitting tax returns or the limits for work-related tax-deductible expenses – just as much as it does to the actions of public-sector bodies. But the 3% ceiling was never "arbitrary".