It is rather unusual for Italy to be at the forefront of pro-market initiatives.

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

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.

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

Italy needed structural reforms to become more competitive.

Reference to the territory and total disregard for the nationality of the companies is of course the best guarantee that competition assessment remain just that and doesn't get affected by trade or other considerations.

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.