Italy needed structural reforms to become more competitive.

In the area of macroeconomic policies, I think we'll see more centralization, like in the budgetary sphere.

I know that speaking with parties, which I do, but not very often, is seen by many as a contamination.

I hope that my government can help change Italian mentality.

A lot of the American press at the time was saying 'just watch what happens when Bertelsmann tries to buy EMI, that will be a moment of truth that will show the Commission's true colors.' Well, that deal never happened either.

The Italian economy has been held back for decades.

If Spain goes under, Italy will come under even more scrutiny.