Italy needed structural reforms to become more competitive.

There is no government in Europe where ministers go through that kind of confirmation process, which in fact is modeled on the way the U.S. cabinet members are confirmed.

My aspiration is not to be loved. It is that my government be respected and credible.

Not all Greeks are ready to do whatever is necessary to stay in the euro.

I am certain that most Germans have instinctive liking for Italy, just as Italians admire Germans for their many qualities.

Italy needed structural reforms to become more competitive.

I believe that reforms will not really take hold if they do not gradually come into the culture of the people.