The three-day Forza Italia “Libertà” event in Telese Terme concludes its second stage, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, the party’s national secretary, grants Il Tempo a few minutes amidst a whirlwind schedule of meetings and phone calls that continuously reach him even in the quiet of the town of Sannio.
Particularly noteworthy is a telephone conversation of around 25 minutes with the Italian spokesperson for the Flotilla, Maria Elena Delia.
“I said that it is dangerous to try to force the Israeli naval blockade,” Tajani explains, “and I spoke both as a minister and as a father, because the situation is concerning. I also said that Italy will do everything within its power to protect its citizens and advised that it would be better to follow the appeal of the President of the Republic. We are able to deliver food aid to Palestinian territory with the involvement of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem”.
Efforts continued until the last moment to persuade the activists, who, according to sources, appreciated never being abandoned by the Crisis Unit and recognised the solidity of the dialogue between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cardinal Pizzaballa in ensuring aid reached its destination, also considering Italy’s role in the World Food Programme. In our conversation, we then turn to the spirit of the three-day event. Forza Italia presents a “Manifesto of Liberty”. Why this need?
“We want to strengthen our identity, provide clear reference points for everyone, especially the younger generation, and reaffirm our distinctiveness. We are different from our allies, and we are a Christian, liberal, committed to civil liberties and legal safeguards, and pro-European party. Our political foundation is freedom: the way to defend and implement it changes over time. When Silvio Berlusconi began this great battle, the world was different; today we have artificial intelligence, and we must update that thinking for current times. We want to reiterate that the person is at the centre for us”.
You also presented a pantheon. Is there a figure you feel particularly culturally aligned with?
“The pantheon must be understood as a whole. We have identified figures of Christianity who can also serve as examples for young people, such as John Paul II and Carlo Acutis. Great liberals like Antonio Martino and Benedetto Croce. Figures from myth or culture who embody the struggle for women’s freedom, like Penelope or the writer Grazia Deledda. We have also identified someone like Montezemolo, who fought fascism purely out of a choice for freedom, without ideological motives. We are anti-fascists, but we are not left-wing”.
Returning to the Middle East crisis, is there an ideological continuity between the Flotilla mobilisation and the violent Pro-Palestinian protests we see in the squares?
“I do not know if there is ideological continuity. There is much anger about what is happening in Gaza, but it is being politically exploited. I wonder what blocking ports or stations achieves for the Palestinian cause. No results are obtained: it neither improves the situation for Palestinians nor convinces Israelis to stop. We must work for both objectives”.
On the topic of hatred, social media has also been boiling over, with insults and threats. Il Tempo has been targeted for weeks. What message would you like to convey?
“We need to lower the tone. Avoid bad influences. Those who are well-known or speak from Parliament must use language that cannot be misinterpreted or seen as encouraging extreme rebellion. Unfortunately, not everyone protests peacefully. There are groups that resort to violence. Sixty police officers injured in recent days reflect a very serious situation”.
Moving on to the Middle Eastern scenario. Rumours are circulating about a Trump plan that does not involve the deportation of Palestinians. How does Italy perceive it?
“It seems like a plan that could find favourable opinions, just like the Blair plan. In the event of an international agreement, we are ready to do our part. It also seems that Arab countries are open to it, and even Hamas has made some concessions. We will see what happens in practice”.
Chapter Ukraine. Von der Leyen said that shooting down Russian jets that violate European airspace is an option. Russia warns this would be considered an act of war. Is there a risk of escalation?
“It must absolutely be avoided. I believe we must not fall for Putin’s provocations while making it clear that we are not afraid, that NATO, Europe, and the West are able to respond”.
The Salis case. Rumours circulated that Forza Italia opposed lifting immunity. Yesterday, you denied this. How do these rumours arise?
“These are rumours spread by those who do not know us and who are evidently concerned about Forza Italia’s rising support. Threats from Casapound, I do not know by whom inspired, do not scare us. I repeat: Forza Italia will vote in favour of lifting immunity, as requested by the PPE rapporteur. The alleged offences by Salis were committed before, not after, her election to the European Parliament. However, I appeal to Hungary for a fair trial. Some were unsettled because I did not call her a terrorist. I am light years away from Salis, but allegedly committing violence is one thing; being a terrorist is another”.
In a few hours, we will know who will govern Marche. Does that make the selection of candidates for Veneto, Campania, and Puglia easier?
“We must find the best possible candidates; it should not be a division among parties, which is why I emphasise civic candidates. In Campania, for example, a civic candidate can win. Fico cannot intercept centre voters leaning left. We have the opportunity to do so. Overall, I am not worried about the selection of candidates”.