Renzi says no political 'quid pro quo'

(ANSA) - Rome, February 16 - Premier Matteo Renzi said Monday that while he is open to talking with opposition parties on his reforms, there will be no quid pro quo.
    "We remain open until the end for dialogue on reforms," but trading favours is not acceptable, said Renzi, whose government is pushing significant Constitutional reforms through parliament.
    Last week, some opposition parties walked out in protest over the reforms that would see dramatic changes to the Italian Senate and streamline other elements of the country's cumbersome political machinery.
    But Renzi said he is determined to press ahead, even after the disintegration of a pact on reforms he had reached one year ago with ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi, leader of the centre-right Forza Italia (FI) opposition party.
    That controversial pact included agreement on electoral law reforms but was long opposed by MPs in both parties.
    Renzi said he will proceed with reforms "with or without (FI)" adding that no party, including FI, has "the right of veto". Meanwhile, cabinet is on course to approve a bill on competition when it meets Friday, Renzi said. That bill "will be a further step towards greater liberalisation but should not be seen as an attack on the certainties our system needs," he added.
    "If we go to the notary less, it's not a problem".
    Italy continues to struggle to emerge from recession, which dates back at least six years.
    But things are looking better, the premier said.
    His government has helped to create the "conditions" for Italy to be "on pole position to run the grand prix of recovery," boasted Renzi.
    And that recovery should be sustained, he added.
    "(It's) not only a brief rainbow, but a prolonged period of good weather".