It is 7.30 a.m., Brazilian time, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, leader of Forza Italia, is working on the phone at his hotel in São Paulo. He’s dressed casually in a jumper and trousers and hasn’t had breakfast yet. On a mission as an ambassador for ‘Made in Italy’ alongside a hundred companies, he is delighted with the country’s economic performance. “Exports are up 4.5 per cent over six months, a sign that the government is doing a good job.” It is an extraordinary increase, despite the wars. We are Europe’s fourth-largest trading power and second-largest industrial nation.” Fresh from his trip to Buenos Aires, he answers questions from ‘Il Giornale’ ahead of a series of business meetings and his return to Italy.
Deputy Prime Minister Tajani, 25 years on from 11 September 2001, how is the West faring in the face of attacks by jihadist Islam?
“We have won the war on terrorism, but we must not underestimate the threats posed by the jihadist faction originating in sub-Saharan Africa. We have suspended the Schengen Agreement precisely because of the risk of terrorist infiltration into Italy; it is a matter of border security, not a snub to Spain. And then there are our armed forces in Somalia, Libya and Palestine, where they are constantly engaged in the fight against terrorism. The lesson of 11 September was the West’s ability to remain united in defence of security and freedom.”
The world is burning with wars that always seem to be drawing to a close but never end. Who is really boycotting peace?
“There are those who do not want to end wars so that they can always gain a little more. The philosopher Bastiat once said: “When goods don’t cross borders, soldiers will.” Well, let’s look at Russia, which wants to restore the Soviet Union, and also at organisations such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which want to dominate the Middle East. The Italian government has not held back in its criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and the violent settlers. Italy is working towards peace, and also to foster an environment that curbs hatred and the recruitment of young people into terrorism. Peace in Palestine would be a fatal blow to those who seek to use terrorism as a weapon.”
Domestic politics. Tomorrow marks the start of Forza Italia’s three-day event in Montesilvano dedicated to young people. What’s your message to the younger generation?
“We’ll tell them that they are the future of the country, and that it’s worth getting involved in politics. We will put forward our proposals to reduce the tax burden on those under 35 and support start-ups so that they are not forced to move abroad. We want to create a youth-friendly country, with a free-market economy that promotes growth. Young people should not be forced to just scrape by, but should have the opportunity to step up and advance based on merit.”
The middle class is facing increasing difficulties, partly due to the general rise in costs and prices. What does your liberal approach entail?
“Tax cuts for businesses and self-employed, a reduction in tax on thirteen monthly salaries, and act on vehicle tax for cars and motorbikes. And, above all, to involve the private sector in the national economy, where 2,000 billion in savings and resources could bring enormous benefits. And businesses will be able to count on a stable government that does not view them with hostility.”
Opinion polls suggest that Vannacci’s Futuro Nazionale is on a par with Forza Italia and the Lega. How are your plans changing? Are you tempted by some form of collaboration?
“We are forging ahead on our own path, in accordance with Berlusconi’s six guidelines: Forza Italia is Christian, reformist, liberal, committed to the rule of law, Atlanticist and, finally, pro-European. Problems are not solved with slogans by voting alongside the Left. A case in point is Italian exports, where we expect to reach the target of 700 billion. I would reply that the government is taking concrete action if the number of illegal immigrants arriving by sea falls, because this would create an additional 1.2 million jobs, reduce the tax burden, boost the stock market and, finally, narrow the spread. Not to mention that we are still sorting out the mess left behind by the Left, such as the poorly managed and mismanaged bonuses that have left a hole in the state coffers. We had the courage to reopen the debate on nuclear power with Minister Pichetto and to reduce the legislative and bureaucratic burden with Ministers Zangrillo and Casellati. All the rest is just propaganda, given that Forza Italia and the government enjoy very strong support.”
Whilst in Brazil, you were unable to follow the Senate’s deliberations on the electoral law first-hand. However, I would remind you that Berlusconi had always been a great advocate of preferential voting, he was the one who would garner a massive haul of personal votes in every election.
“The new electoral system will strengthen the country’s stability. We have shown that we have always been united, and the centre-right coalition has always brought stability. Above all, it was Berlusconi who defeated the Communists in 1994, and before that, De Gasperi in 1948. I defeated them in Brussels in 2017 when I was elected President of the European Parliament with a majority comprising the People’s Party, the Liberals and the Conservatives.”
Following the Meloni government’s record for the longest-serving administration in the history of the Italian Republic, what other records are you aiming for?
“A reduction in immigration and economic growth, including exports. We have done a great deal to promote stability in Italy, and we are well received throughout the world, as demonstrated by the accolades we have received in São Paulo, Brazil. The rest is just idle talk.”
The year is 2027—general elections. Deputy Prime Minister Tajani, where will you be in a year’s time? Do you have a dream?
“My lifelong dream is to fight to defend the values I believe in. I want to stand up against ‘woke’ culture and fight for a society on a human scale. I shall remain who I am, even if I hold no office: namely, a freedom fighter.”
