Growth in any individual European country has to be the result of policies for growth pursued in that country consistent with budgetary discipline.

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.

I hope that my government can help change Italian mentality.

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.

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.