The effort of the new Italian Executive will be to "put Europe at the center of government activity and to contribute as much as possible to the harmonious and strong development of the European Union". This is how Mario Monti presents himself to the European Commission, in his new debut as prime minister.
Speaking at the press conference after a meeting with President Josè Manuel Barroso, Monti immediately sets the record straight, sending a message of discontinuity. The head of government, who recalled the ten years he spent in the EU institutions, intends to "operate as a bridge" to the EU. It is no coincidence that Monti wanted to emphasize the new role that Italy intends to have from now on: "The intense, in-depth and long conversation with Barroso concerned the common strategy rather than precise aspects" of individual countries. After all, the time to discuss economic details is not today.
“On economic issues, I will go deeper into the matter on Friday, when I receive Olli Rehn in Rome”, the European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs and Vice-President of the European Commission. Today, therefore, "the question of a balanced budget for 2013 for Italy has not been dealt with". “I hope that Italy will be able to collaborate in defining the future of Europe – added Monti -. Europe does not give us constraints, but indications in the interest of the country and above all in the interest of future generations”.
The first challenge that the new government will have to face is therefore that of "explaining within the country that what we will do is not for bureaucratic fulfillment", but to give life to "a better future". The path is that of reforms: “Compared to the previous government, we want to have less conflict – he said before being betrayed by emotion-. We want to have less conflict to go all the way with regard to structural reforms”. Barroso, alongside him, did not hide that "the Italian situation remains difficult", and invited us to work hard: "Nobody expects miracles, but a continuous and constant effort".
To use a sports metaphor, "you don't need sprint runs, but concentration on a marathon". In short, "it takes time", after all, Barroso articulated, "the perception of the markets cannot be changed from one day to the next". But the president of the EU Commission hinted that Italy is on the right path: “I know Monti, I know he is a very competent person. I have full respect and trust in him and I think he has the ability to lead this country", said Barroso, who addressed his "best wishes to the prime minister, dear Mario".
