Salvini, reforms? I would not touch the role of the Head of State

"I would not touch the role of the President of the Republic and I would give citizens the opportunity to directly indicate a majority and who will lead it by preselling that there can be no reversals within the same legislature". This was stated by the Minister of Infrastructure, Matteo Salvini, during a meeting as part of the Trento Festival of Economics organized by the 24 Ore Group and Trentino Marketing on behalf of the Autonomous Province, answering a question on reforms.

"When it comes to putting your hand to the Constitution, of course, you have to be cautious. Whether it will be the choice of a premiership, a presidentialism, a semi-presidentialism, a constructive no-confidence, it is a stimulating and academic debate, then a sovereign Parliament will come and decide". If we add to this "the local authorities that will be able to better manage some competences, it seems to me that it is a perfect mix. The indication directly by citizens of a prime minister, without reversals or changes of majority, is something that could guarantee stability and a fundamental added value".

"All countries have objections from the EU Commission, it is obvious that it must be negotiated. I am convinced that as far as the third tranche of the NRP is concerned, it is still a matter of little. If then there should be the exclusion of a small part, Italy will make its observations. The PNR was written and decided when there was still the pandemic, now things have changed. Flexibility is essential. I do not think we should give up part of the funds, it is clear that we must use all the funds by finding the right changes so that they are needed" for the problems caused by the crisis, Antonio Tajani told Radio 24.

Speaking later at the Festival of Economics in Trento, the minister said that all funds will be disbursed. "I believe that Italy has what it takes, all the homework has been done. There are some projects that strangely the European Commission approved when there was another government - I am thinking, for example, of the stadiums in Florence and Venice - then the Commission changed its mind. Why did you change your mind? Italy is doing whatever it takes, there are no disputes about the targets, so we have to be optimistic, the funds will be disbursed," he added.

Tajani: The government's line is to use all PNR funds but flexibility is needed