The problem of Italy is not really a question of age. Japan has an older population, and it is now in full economic recovery. The problem is that Italy is old in the structure of the society.

The EU must take on new responsibilities. And these new responsibilities call for intensifying the integration process.

The Italian economy is certainly the weakest of the big European countries.

But Italy can only have any real influence on world affairs if it carries weight in Europe.

Think what a revolution it will be if we manage to get everyone to pay their taxes.

Democracies must have equilibrium... and the entanglement of politics and information must be minimized.

I am not a newcomer, you know, so I want to be judged for what I did when I was prime minister last time in Italy and president of the European Commission for more than five years.