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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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