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Conte: 'If Europe is not up to par, nationalisms will win'

2020-03-30T07:30:42.945Z


The premier to the Spanish newspaper 'El Pais' explains Italy's measures against Coronavirus and warns the EU. On reopenings, as it was for the restrictions, we will reason "in terms of proportionality", he assures. (HANDLE)


(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 30 -

Those who oppose Italian demands in Europe "reason with an old mentality, with an inadequate view of this crisis, which is symmetrical and exceptional". In an interview with Pais, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte says so. And to those who ask him if Italy will insist on eurobonds, Conte replies: "I called it a European Recovery and Re-investment Plan; I am not thinking of a single instrument, but it is time to introduce common European debt instruments". "The problem is not when we get out of the recession, but get out of it as soon as possible. Time is a key factor," he adds.

"Italy does not ask to share all its public debt accumulated so far, which will remain borne by each country. Italy had had an optimal behavior up to now, including on the debt front. The 2019 deficit was to close at 2.2 and we got 1.6%. Nobody asks the EU to take on sovereign debt but only to be able to deal a unitary blow to get out of this tsunami, "explains the Prime Minister.

The risk that the coronavirus emergency will give life to anti-Europeanism in countries like in Italy, adds the premier, "is evident. The nationalist instincts, in Italy but also in other countries, will be very strong if the EU is not 'height". He then reiterates that the Italian government is working for a more social Europe and warns: "the number of unemployed people that will have after this tsunami will be very high. We must be able to restart a reconstruction from scratch before this happens".

Also on the reopening, as it was for the restrictions, we will think "in terms of proportionality", he assures. And when asked if the lockout of production activities will last a long time, Conte replies: "No, it is a very tough measure from an economic point of view. It is the last measure we have taken and cannot go on too long. For schools and universities, on the other hand , changes can be made so students don't miss the year or the exam, "he explains to the Spanish newspaper.

These days, "we are in the most acute phase. Experts are cautious, but it is reasonable to think that we are close to the peak", explains Conte to the Madrid paper. And the prime minister claims the proportionality of the restrictive measures put in place and future reopenings. "It would have been a mistake to introduce a total lockout of the country immediately. At the same time, it is impossible to take charge of an economic impact of this level for too long a time. When it was seen that the infection was widespread, the measures taken in Lombardy were taken in the whole country. This is how we got to be more radical and we imposed the closure of non-essential activities. But, I insist, the measures must be gradual ", explains the Prime Minister. And when asked if Italy will be able to reopen before the end of the pandemic, Conte clarifies: "It is premature to decide. When the Scientific Committee says that the curve is starting to fall, we will be able to study measures that will slow down" the restrictions. "But it will have to be very gradual."

Source: ansa

All life articles on 2020-03-30

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