Napolitano says Italy must reform

(ANSA) - Rome, December 18 - President Giorgio Napolitano said Thursday that Italy has no alternative but to reform and modernize.
    Speaking to the diplomatic corps, Napolitano said that Premier Matteo Renzi's government was performing "hard work with many uncertainties" yet its reform efforts were essential for "those of us who believe in the potential of this country".
    The president has said the government's reforms will help to undo longstanding problems in Italy's economic and social structures.
    Napolitano described Renzi and his government as "courageous" in pushing ahead with their reform efforts.
    House Speaker Laura Boldrini later said that she agreed with the president.
    "We can only go forward," said Boldrini.