Renzi 'recovered credibility' with EU on pensions - update

(ANSA) - Rome, May 19 - Premier Matteo Renzi said Tuesday that his government quickly "recovered" its credibility with the EU over the pension repayment issue, because it "solved the problem within 15 days".
    A court ruling against 2011 pension withholdings forced Renzi's government to devise a repayment plan that is controversial but seems acceptable to the European Union.
    During an interview with television program Porta a Porta, Renzi added that Italians will accept his repayment plan because they realize it is affordable.
    As well, he said, "citizens know that it makes no sense" to give pension rebates to high-income earners.
    His government's latest pension decree will also provide new flexibility for those who want to retire early and are willing to pay the price through a reduction in their pensions, he said. "The government's commitment is clear," Renzi said.
    On the subject of protests against education reforms, Renzi said that he had not "underestimated teachers, I was certain that there would be a very strong demonstrations".
    The reforms now being reviewed by the Lower House. Renzi denied he had "braked" on reforms but admitted "I was not good at communicating the reforms".