Minister Tajani, during the G20 in India, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met the Prime Minister of China. The topic at the centre of the meeting was the renewal of the Silk Road agreement, and it seems to be confirmed that it is heading to a halt. What do you propose?
Having a positive framework of cooperation with China from the economic viewpoint – a strategic partnership desired by Berlusconi since 2004 – is a fundamental issue for us. We want to strengthen it. Last Monday the leaders of our Ministries reached many agreements with the Chinese. Economic and cultural exchanges must therefore be fostered. Bearing this in mind, as I said clearly to all Chinese government leaders, the Silk Road is a page in our relations that has not been advantageous for us.
Why?
The export figures are clear and they are more advantageous for Germany and France, which were not part of the Silk Road. We will obviously listen to Parliament’s opinion, but the Silk Road should not be fundamental in relations with China. I met with Italian entrepreneurs and I reassured them about the future of our relations with the country.
What do you propose as an alternative to the Silk Road?
The strategic partnership must be reformed. We want to enhance and use this instrument: we want to strengthen economic cooperation and support the exports of our SMEs in various sectors, including agro-industry. We want to strengthen our cultural ties in the research and university sector and also in the tourism industry. Ministers Bernini and Santanchè will travel to China shortly, before the visit of Prime Minister Meloni and President Mattarella. Italy will lead the G7 in 2024. We are the second European manufacturing country. We are allies of the Americans, but we are not enemies of China. In the Indo-Pacific region we are in favour of confirming the status quo without unilateral initiatives. I can understand that the Chinese are pushing for Italy to stay on the Silk Road, but – as already said – we are not satisfied. There is no desire to break off relations. Quite the reverse, we want to increase them. Matteo Ricci and Marco Polo are the only non-Chinese figures that are part of their national iconography in the Beijing Museum.
In the coming weeks Italy shall come to an understanding with the Commission on sensitive issues such as the NRRP and the Stability Pact. What do you expect from the EU?
I expect that balance will prevail in the EU and that the Commission will be able to mediate between the stance of the so-called rigorist countries and that of the industrial countries, such as Italy and France. The Stability Pact must not jeopardise growth: investment that is the result of European decisions and not of Italian mismanagement must be excluded from the deficit-GDP ratio. The Green deal and the war in Ukraine are not Italy’s choices, and you cannot talk about the Stability Pact on these types of debt.
Do you think President Meloni was right to criticise Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni? Especially after the very harsh remarks also made by Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini?
I think it is legitimate to criticise a Commissioner. I criticised many of them myself. I hope that Commissioner Gentiloni will be able to have a position that is not penalising for Italy. I know very well that, as a European Commissioner, he should not only look to his own country. But if the general interest is against Italy, this means that there is something wrong. This is not disrespect. I am a convinced Europeanist but, for example, I can criticise the ECB.
As to the economic and financial measures, what are the essential points for Forza Italia?
Lowering the tax burden to strengthen the purchasing power of wages, salaries and pensions. This means maintaining the tax wedge reduction that expires in December and exempting the 13th month pay, overtime and production bonuses from taxes, starting with doctors and nurses – clearly in line with the budget resources available. We can start by focusing on the next four years, but putting down the red lines now. There is also the fight against tax evasion. Fewer taxes and more controls.
Do you fear turmoil in the government majority after Salvini’s declarations?
No, I do not fear so. A debate does not cause turmoil. There are three different parties in the government majority and it is normal to have different opinions, perceptions and sensitivities. We will then find a synthesis and there is already an agreement on many issues starting with the tax wedge.
Today in Gaeta you spoke to a large audience of young members of Forza Italia and reassured them about the future of the party. Does this mean no agreement with Matteo Renzi for the European elections?
Forza Italia has a great future: my goal is to build the home of the centre, a force that is a guarantee for the stability of our country. We are meek, but not weak. We are ready to accept independent candidates, but not to support the idea of a great centre alliance for the European elections (the so-called “listone”). The pivot remains Forza Italia.
