Antonio Tajani today begins his first mission as Foreign Minister in sub-Saharan Africa: Mauritania, Senegal and Niger. What is the purpose of this trip?
“It has multiple meanings. In that area and in all African countries, there is great demand for Italy. The governments of the region are asking us to be more present. They appreciated the Mattei Plan and the fact that Italy is not behaving like a neo-colonial power.
Does our traditional ability to be concave and convex, make a difference, for example, compared to France and other nations?
“Our strength lies in a posture of true collaboration, without attitudes of superiority or the pretence of taking and not giving. Ours is a reversed paradigm. We do not take away raw materials but help those countries to process them, also through the work of our companies. This is the opposite of a colonialist approach. We have a duty, as Italians and Europeans, to be Africa’s primary counterparts and not to leave this role to China and Russia.”
Minister Piantedosi will also be there.
“Yes, we have decided to make this trip together because we will also discuss the fight against terrorism and illegal immigration and how to encourage regular immigration. In short, there are many issues to be addressed. For example, we have many companies in Senegal and an important business forum is scheduled to take place in Dakar in the coming days, where I will meet with our ambassadors in Africa. We also have our military contingent in Niger.”
Did not our soldiers leave after the recent coup, like the French and others?
“We are still in Niger. This is partly because human and arms trafficking passes through the Agadez region. The destination is often Libya, where Russia has a strong influence. Italy wants to play a leading role in Niger, such a crucial area in the Sahel. Moreover, Niger is rich in raw materials such as uranium. Africa is a rich continent, inhabited in many parts by poor populations. With our know-how, we can promote the economic and social growth of these populations. In the coming months, we would like to hold a meeting of Sahel countries, including Chad, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, to strengthen not only political relations but also economic and cooperation ties.
Meanwhile, Orban has arrived in Rome – Africa has nothing to do with it – and said that the EU counts for nothing. Do you disagree?
It is obvious that Europe should count for more. There are those who want it to count for more and those who want it to count for less. I am in favour of the former. Without Europe, no country – and this also applies to Hungary – is able to compete in the world. As far as Italy is concerned, we have the opportunity to become Africa’s ambassador in Europe. With our companies and thanks to the Mattei Plan, we are doing a lot: development cooperation, turning uncultivated land into agricultural land, mining activities and so on.”
Eni über alles?
“It is the most sought-after player. A star performer. And we have others, too. The budget law includes funds to promote the internationalization of our excellent companies, including those operating in Africa.”
With specific reference to the budget law, there is still controversy with Salvini over banks.
“This is a good budget law. It helps the middle class with income tax reductions, supports the lowest wages, and invests in healthcare. Forza Italia‘s policy line on banks line has been adopted. There are no taxes on extra profits, only a contribution, the result of an agreement definitively concluded at the Ministry of Economy and Finance by Minister Giorgetti, Deputy Minister Leo, and myself with representatives of the Italian Banking Association.”
What about Salvini who is protesting?
“His position is legitimate, but pacta sunt servanda.”
Changes in Parliament?
“No additional tax on vacation homes and Article 18 to be fixed (the one on dividends that penalizes companies with double taxation). Action needs to be taken on Rome’s subway (Metro C), Milan’s subway and the Afragola-Naples line. Another priority for us is to solve the problems related to the armed forces and the police.”
Thursday is the yes vote on justice reform. Ready to celebrate?
“It will be a historic date.”
And if you lose the referendum?
“We will win it, because citizens know that it is a fair reform. I have already asked MPs Costa and Zanettin to start setting up committees for the Yes vote.”
The left wing parties will want to give a push on the government with the referendum.
“If they want to give a shove, they will not be pushing the government but the Italian people. Meanwhile, we at Forza Italia will be organizing events throughout Italy on 21 November. This is the day on which, in 1994, the announcement of Berlusconi’s notice of investigation was made before he was notified of it. It was the beginning of a very long ordeal. Now we are in another phase. You will see that, as the Nordio reform aims to enhance the role of the third, unbiased judge, many voters, even on the left-wing side, will not follow the logic of the push and will vote according to their conscience.”
