Minister Tajani, did Trump’s defeat take you by surprise?
“The polls had already indicated what the results would be. And in any case, sitting presidents almost always lose mid-term elections.”
How is the relationship between the Italian and US governments changing?
“Not much changes. The United States is our main ally, because it is the other side of the West and represents the world’s largest democracy. It is a great democracy precisely because it guarantees a change of leadership in the country. This is precisely where the difference lies between democracies and autocracies: in the latter, those in power never change.”
In the American context, the former involve the concept of a ‘lame duck’. How will you deal with a president whose powers have been halved?
“We are and remain on excellent terms with the United States. We were when Bush was in power, and we were when Clinton, Obama and Biden were in the White House. We maintained the same positive dialogue with Trump. Being allies does not mean being subservient. This is what the left fails to understand, because all too often it lacks a patriotic sense of the state and fails to grasp that the national interest must take precedence over political or ideological positions. For us, being allies of the US means engaging in dialogue with our heads held high and our backs straight. I am not a MAGA supporter and I never will be.”
Many people’s impression was that the Meloni government was being overly accommodating towards Trump-style exuberance.
“Let me give you some specific examples that refute this impression. We have voiced open and well-founded criticism regarding the ambitions concerning Greenland, the misguided war in Iran and the accusations levelled against the International Criminal Court. I also cancelled a visit to the United States following Trump’s attacks on Italy and our Prime Minister. That does not detract from the fact that relations between our country and the United States are deeply entrenched. Do you know where I’m going on Saturday?”
We don’t know.
“I’ll be at the Marines’ party in Rome. I go every year, regardless of which government is in power in Washington. It’s an example to show that our unbreakable bond is with the US, and not with one administration or another.”
How wrong was Trump about Iran?
“In my view, problems are resolved through diplomacy. We hope that the guns will fall silent and that dialogue will be strengthened to ensure, as soon as possible, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. If this enormous problem is not resolved, the global economy will continue to suffer. Including the Italian economy.”
Do wars cause inflation?
“Of course. This is exogenous inflation. That is why I am against raising interest rates. And the ECB was right not to raise them.”
Excuse me, don’t you think the American ‘blue wave’ might turn into the ‘long wave’ of a broad coalition – the so-called ‘Campo Largo’?
“I’m hoping for a ‘blue wave’ from Forza Italia in the upcoming elections.”
But what does Forza Italia have to do with what happened across the Atlantic?
“It’s relevant because matches are always won in the middle. And extremism doesn’t last long. I’ve always appreciated balanced positions, whether from Republicans or Democrats. So much so that I’ve worked extremely well with both Blinken and Rubio, who are on opposite sides of the political spectrum but are people of remarkable balance.”
In 2027, elections will be held in many European countries, starting with Italy. Does Trump’s defeat foreshadow the defeat of the populists?
“Europe will have to prove that it is not only a major economic power but also a key player on the world political stage. And it cannot be so if populist movements such as Mélenchon’s in France and the AfD in Germany gain ground. The EPP will have a major responsibility: to ensure the unity, stability and strengthening of Europe. The congress that we in the EPP will hold in Rome this spring – and the choice of venue is a mark of recognition for this capital, for Italy, for our government and for Forza Italia – will be a decisive step towards the political strengthening of our continent.”
The economy is struggling everywhere, but perhaps a little less so in Italy?
“I’m not, of course, turning a blind eye to the difficulties, but I can see that in Italy – from the employment figures to the export figures, and I could go on – we’re in a better position than elsewhere.”
However, the Budget Bill is not expansionary.
“With this budget, we are seeking to help the middle class, young people and the elderly. And we will do everything we can to improve the law, by taking action on pensions and education. Without forgetting the absolute necessity of providing a dedicated pension scheme for the for military and law enforcement personnel.”
But isn’t all this effort a waste, given that – according to the polls – the left is more likely to win?
“The left is always convinced it will win right up until the day before the vote, and the day after it realises it was all just a dream. Not only that. They think that the victories of other left-wing parties in other countries are their own. But that is not the case.”
