It is now an open duel between Italy and the European Commission. After the harsh criticisms of Renzi and Italy by the Luxembourg president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, came the dry reply from Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
“We are not intimidated. Italy deserves respect" the Prime Minister punctuated on Tg5 who also replied to the attribution of paternity of the budget flexibility claimed by Juncker: "Flexibility on the part of the EU - replied Renci - was introduced after much insistence from part of Italy".
Juncker, who will come to Italy in February to try to clarify the many points of disagreement with Italy, had argued yesterday that "Renzi is wrong in offending the European Commission and I don't understand why he does it" and that "Italy does not he should criticize the Commission too much, because I accept criticism but not those that are not justified".
Minister Padoan first replied to Juncker, ruling out offensive intentions from Italy, and then Renzi's curt reply arrived, who had already previously reminded Juncker that his presidency of the Commission is not free but was based on precise political commitments to redefine Europe's role and cancel austerity, which must be honoured.
