I have the most profound respect for the Department of Justice and the FTC. We in Europe are a younger and I would say junior institution to the historical antitrust experience of the US.

As to the question of elected or not elected, each member of the European Commission has been appointed jointly by the governments of the 15 member states, and undergone individual scrutiny and a vote of confidence from the European Parliament.

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

If the euro becomes a factor promoting Europe's drifting apart, then the foundation of the European project is destroyed.

Italy even in the future will not need aid from the European Financial Stability Fund.

There was in Italy a hidden demand for a boring government which would try to tell the truth in non-political jargon.

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