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.

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

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 believe that in Europe, we have a collective leadership.

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

I hope that my government can help change Italian mentality.