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.
The Italian economy has been held back for decades.
Italy needed structural reforms to become more competitive.
It is rather unusual for Italy to be at the forefront of pro-market initiatives.
If the euro becomes a factor promoting Europe's drifting apart, then the foundation of the European project is destroyed.