“Frankly, I didn't expect him to be appointed chairman of Telecom Italia either, but it's a choice that shouldn't be emphasized: it's just the natural continuation of the work I was already doing as vicar after the resignation of Franco Bernabè". The traditional understatement of Aldo Minucci, a life in Generali, president of Ania and for a few minutes also president of Telecom Italia never fades, as this conversation with FIRSTonline testifies.
FIRSTonline – Doctor Minucci, but if your appointment to the top of Telecom was a surprise even for you, how did it mature?
MINUCCI – As I said, I didn't expect it and I said during the board meeting that there were many important personalities within the board who could rise to the presidency but, out of love for society in such a complicated moment, I also having said that, if the need had been recognized not to alter the internal balance, I would have been willing to continue for a few months, that is until the budget meeting, to do my part”.
FIRSTonline – So you will be the president of Telecom Italia until the budget and office renewal meeting in April?
MINUCCI – Exactly.
FIRSTonline – And after?
MINUCCI – After the shareholders' meeting it is entirely unlikely that I will remain because, together with the streamlining of the board of directors, there is the need to give more space to independent personalities who are not the expression of the big shareholders.
FIRSTonline – What will be your role as president of Telecom Italia in these three months?
MINUCCI – I will be a guarantee chairman of all the shareholders, with an eye to governance and the need to impartially guide both the two or three meetings of the board of directors that will be held and the future general meeting at a time that is complex for many reasons.
FIRSTonline – Will your new position at the top of Telecom Italia have repercussions on the presidency of ANIA?
MINUCCI – Absolutely not. The presidency of ANIA is and remains my main task, at least until the end of 2014 when my three-year mandate will expire. An assignment that requires great commitment because the world of insurance is also experiencing a moment of strong fibrillation and disappointment for the improvements to the rules of the game which seemed, especially in the case of motor liability, within reach and which are fading.
FIRSTonline – Blame it on politics?
MINUCCI – Not only. Unfortunately, the coalition of vested interests has not so far made it possible to lower the costs of motor liability insurance and to overcome the Italian anomaly despite our willingness to reduce prices if more incisive measures against fraud had been adopted and the tables on the serious injuries. Insurers are willing to do their part but on condition that the reasons for the excess costs are identified exactly and correct objectives are set that take into account all the needs in the field, both those of consumers and those of businesses.
