The Italian economy has been held back for decades.

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.

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

A lot of the American press at the time was saying 'just watch what happens when Bertelsmann tries to buy EMI, that will be a moment of truth that will show the Commission's true colors.' Well, that deal never happened either.

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

I hope that my government can help change Italian mentality.

It is very unusual for a country to ask guys who are not politicians to come and run the country.