Antonio Tajani, Forza Italia’s leader, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, explains his opinion on the additional profit tax for banks, which «could be decided with closed markets», and on the minimum wage, to which he favours the Italian mediation proposal. He continues by discussing how he will relaunch his party, the world forecasts, Ukraine and Niger.
The government has decided to excise the banks’ additional profits between applauses and polemics: Do we have to blame the ECB that raised interest rates?
«The ECB made a mistake; we have been repeating this for months, and here’s the inevitable consequence. Unfortunately, businesses and people with variable-rate mortgages have paid the price for it. The risk is that unpaid mortgages will turn into non-performing loans, which might be problematic. That’s why we need to take action to cut taxes on labour, also considering the open debate on minimum wages».
Some say that the tax was strongly wanted by Meloni and Salvini, while you were not so convinced. What is the truth?
«We want things to be done with great balance; we are different from M5S or Fratoianni; we don’t suffer the same populist anxiety».
You talked with Patuelli, ABI’s President, to reassure him. You said this provision won’t be punitive; it will only last one year and will be further discussed by the Parliament.
«We don’t stand against the banks, mostly Cooperative Credit and People’s banks; we are working to protect savers. Right now, the banks should play their part in a comprehensive plan, but hitting them indiscriminately would be short-sighted and dangerous for our economic system. For this reason, the law must be written well. This is a delicate ground, and we are not driven by any sort of punitive stance».
You said we must understand where the money will end up.
«That money should be employed to help citizens pay their mortgages, protect savers and increase wages to make them high, reduce fiscal pressure, reduce taxes on tredicesima (NdT. Benefit of an extra month’s salary called the thirteenth), overtime and production bonuses».
What would you answer to those saying the losses connected to the crash of listed bank stocks and the dividend cut would affect not only savers but also the reliability of the Italian System, thus scaring foreign investors?
«This is why the law should be written well, and it would have been better to make these operations with closed markets. However, we will follow the parliamentary discussions to ensure everything is done in the best possible way».
Before, you mentioned the statutory minimum wage, not agreed by your party, which, in turn, has an alternative proposal.
«The FI proposal, tabled in the Chamber of Deputies, can be the compromise, the summary and the meeting point of different positions. It provides to link “pirate” employment agreements to collective ones, benefiting from higher wages».
Is there a chance to find an agreement on the Tajani’s ruling, as some have called it?
«It is a minimum wage not established by law but by collective bargaining, with more substantial caps. We are Europeanists, and this is the European position which might lead to higher wages. How to adjust “pirate” ones will be a task for INPS and CNEL, and I have already discussed the topic with Renato Brunetta».
FI claims measures to tackle increased air travel prices. Is it your fight?
«Absolutely. Renato Schifani was the first to take action when he was President of the Sicily Region. The credit goes mostly to him».
And what about the measures on taxis?
«We had discussions to find a solution allowing big cities to offer more services to their citizens without damaging companies, also in light of the next Jubilee. Balanced choices are always needed, and we will monitor their application».
What are the challenges ahead as the new FI secretary, Silvio Berlusconi’s successor?
«I will spend summer following the party across relevant political events, starting with the Friday meeting in Sabaudia, then Versiliana, Ceglie Messapica, Rimini…. Reducing fiscal pressure is our first objective, followed by increasing the number of physicians and reducing taxes on overtime. Minister Bernini did a good thing by increasing the number of Medicine students. We can no longer recruit foreign doctors, as President Occhiuto from the Calabria Region had to do. Another objective is increasing pensions to 1000 euros, in accordance with the economic situation. The laws to do that are already in place».
And at the European level?
«We need to rewrite the stability pact by considering unwanted expenses, namely those caused by crises and not maladministration, such as those related to the war in Ukraine, that should be deducted from the NRRP. I hope Gentiloni will be an attentive interlocutor for us in Europe. Moreover, fiscal harmonisation is required. There cannot be countries with lower taxes practising unfair competition. Finally, we seek an environmental policy that does not penalise industry and agriculture».
FI has planned a series of events starting in September.
«The first is the youth event in Gaeta, then the Berlusconi day in Paestum on 29 September, the date of his birthday, as Silvio is still our guide, and we cannot forget what he taught us. Finally, there will be a meeting with the representatives of local entities in Monza, involving Adriano Galliani, running in the committee that previously belonged to Berlusconi».
How are you getting ready for the European elections?
«FI is the EPP in Italy. In this, we differ from the allies, have our identity, and don’t want to compromise with anti-European forces. We are liberals and want to be the cornerstone of Italian politics. Our project is ambitious, and we have a large political space in the centre. That is why we attract more and more attention, and there will be new entries in early September. I am talking about those who want to join our liberal revolution while our doors are closed for those who just want to use us».
Is there any news about future alliances in Europe following the elections?
«We believe People’s parties might ally with Liberals and conservative ones, and we will work in this direction. There are positive signals, but everything depends on the vote in June. There is already a precedent for my election as President of the EU Parliament in this alliance. Indeed, we need to be pragmatic and not unrealistic; we need a true majority to achieve this».
As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, do you see any result regarding peace in Ukraine?
«One positive aspect was the first diplomatic gathering in Jeddah to include China in the negotiations. I have just had a talk with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs to promote Ankara’s mediation between Russia and Ukraine for the African grain corridor. We need to achieve a just peace, not let Ukraine surrender”.
Do you plan to go to Beijing?
«Probably in Autumn».
Niger’s situation is also concerning, as migratory flows coming from there might increase.
«We have been the first country to foster a diplomatic solution, though with longer times, instead of pushing for a European military action. The Italian position has prevailed now. There are enough wars in our continent, we don’t need other conflicts».
While recalling the loss of many Italian migrants in Marcinelle’s mine, you also talked about young graduates who move abroad to find a decent job.
«Those miners were a great example of sacrifice and dedication to work. Luckily things have changed, but we still need to strive for our youth not to be forced to leave because of low wages. Once again, the discussion revolves around minimum – or, better, rich – wages».
