If governments let themselves be fully bound by the decisions of their parliaments without protecting their own freedom to act, a breakup of Europe would be a more probable outcome than deeper integration.

Europe has to avoid old prejudices and new ones. That means north versus south, rich versus poor.

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

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.

Italy needed structural reforms to become more competitive.

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

The two greatest priorities for my government are tackling tax evasion and corruption.