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

Europe has to avoid old prejudices and new ones. That means north versus south, rich versus poor.

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

The Italian economy has been held back for decades.

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

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

I am certain that most Germans have instinctive liking for Italy, just as Italians admire Germans for their many qualities.