Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister
Antonio Tajani said Thursday he hoped European Commissioner for
economic and monetary affairs Paolo Gentiloni would not take a
hard line in the reform of the EU's Stability and Growth Pact on
budget rules.
"The criticism of Gentiloni came from Matteo Salvini," Tajani
told Radio Anch'io on Radio 1, referring to Wednesday's attack
on the Italian commissioner by Deputy Premier and right-wing
League leader Salvini.
However, Tajani added that he hoped "Gentiloni works taking into
account that he is also the Italian commissioner, and that his
vision is not that of the hard-line countries regarding the
reform of the Stability and Growth Pact".
On Wednesday Salvini drew strong criticism from opposition
parties after saying that Gentiloni, the only representative of
Italy on the European executive, "acted like a foreigner".
"Instead of making suggestions, he has raised complaints and
criticisms," said Salvini.
"It is fundamental to have European commissioners who defend the
interest of the entire community and the country," he added.
Gentiloni replied indirectly to the criticism during a public
event in Mestre, saying he had the confidence of the Italian
government "by definition".
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