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.

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

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.

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

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.