Renzi: "Services cannot depend only on the Premier"

Andrea Malaguti on La Stampa interviewed the leader of Italia Viva, Matteo Renzi. Many topics are discussed, but one of them is to remove the sphere of secret services from the competence of the President of the Council. It is no coincidence that all the governments prior to those of Giuseppe Conte appointed a delegated authority for secret services. Minniti, De Gennaro and Letta are an example. 

Senator Renzi, are we already at the Conte you're serene? 

"Maddai, we were the main sponsor of the government, why on earth do you drop it?". 

The premier is convinced that you were incorrect on VAT. 

"I hope the premier did not use this expression. Italia Viva in fact was more than correct. When Conte put forward the hypothesis of a VAT increase we told him we were against it. I did it by answering a phone call from him. The Head of Delegation Bellanova and Professor Marattin did it at the table in Palazzo Chigi. We are not against the government, but we are against tax increases. This government, moreover, was born precisely in order not to increase VAT, right?". 

I suppose he was talking about his public statements. I quote it again: it is unacceptable that Renzi remembers a space every day. Have you decided to interpret the role that Salvini played until August? 

"Please don't confuse me just for the name. We are not talking about mojites and cubists. We talk about taxes, kindergartens, school building, jobs. Discussing these things does not mean fighting: it means doing politics. Populism forces you to talk about characters, likes and dislikes, personal relationships. Politics forces you to talk about ideas and programs. Many attack me on the character, few answer me about the contents". 

Talking about ideas, how long does this government last? 

"I hope so much: in fact, instability is Italy's main institutional problem. This government can give the markets peace of mind, bring the spread below 100 basis points, accompany the new European phase. The Government works, do not open controversy. My suggestion to the premier is to work on the dossiers: yesterday it would have been more appropriate to talk about Alitalia, Trieste or the secret services. Not me. But we do not feel a grudge for anyone, even more so for the premier, whom we guarantee confidence in the Chamber. As for the legislature: for us it lasts until 2023. If someone wants to interrupt it, he will take responsibility ». Even Zingaretti does not seem to love her. “I, on the other hand, feel sympathy and affection for the friends who remained in the Democratic Party. Going on arguing would have been counterproductive. Better to leave each other in friendship. And for my part, no controversy towards Nicola ”. 

By now there you are and Di Maio on one side and Conte and Zingaretti on the other: isn't it bizarre? 

"Put like that is very bizarre. But this is not always the pattern: it was on the VAT increase. In these days we have launched ideas on the Family Act, on green investments, on savings. And at Leopolda we will launch a great industrial plan for the country. I like the idea that we can all work together to return to growth. And I hope indeed that on some issues we can also vote together with the opposition: on nursery schools, why split up? But even on the thorny issues of the end of life it would be nice to vote all together, even with Salvini". 

Was he aware of Di Maio's plan on repatriation? 

"No. We heard from reporters. But we are ready to discuss it on the merits. It is clear that there is an immigration issue to manage, even at a European level. I propose to stop paying those European countries like Hungary that use our money and then wage war on migrants on us. Orban has become the hero of Salvini and Meloni but it is absurd that the sovereigns exalt those who first take the money of the Italian taxpayers and then reject European solidarity ”. 

Senator, do you know George Papadopoulos? 

"I read his exploits in the media and on social media." 

He is convinced that you have plotted with Obama to prevent the election of Trump. 

"In the avalanche of fakenews that overwhelmed me, there was only the international conspiracy along with Obama. You imagine the scene: Obama asking me to do a plot on the American elections. It doesn't even look like a spy story, it looks like a farce. This gentleman will answer for his follies in front of an Italian court and I will ask him for an adequate compensation for damages ". 

Have you ever talked about American elections with Italian secret services? 

“Never, let's not joke. Italian intelligence is a serious matter. Anyone who wants to fuel a strange controversy, do so. But keep our secret services under cover. After all, Aise and Aisi are led by two professional gentlemen. I think it is the government's duty to protect Italian intelligence from the political controversies of other countries. And I think it is useful for everyone to put an end to the strange anomaly that for years has seen the services depend only on the premier: the appointment of the Delegated Authority is needed. The role that Marco Minniti played with me, so to speak. And before him Gianni De Gennaro ”. 

Is Link Campus a university linked to services? 

“I am one of the few politicians who have no relationship with Link Campus. I read that Massimo D'Alema teaches you, who taught you the former minister Trenta, which was founded by the former minister Scotti, who has institutional relations managed with great dedication. Anyone who has something to clarify on this matter will do so in the appropriate places. I limited myself to asking for damages, as I do now frequently ”. 

Do you know Professor Mifsud? 

"I don't know Mifsud". 

Do you believe in the hypothesis of secret meetings between high representatives of the Trump administration and Italian intelligence? 

"The right place to study all that has happened is the Copasir and I have no doubt that the prime minister will report clarifying all doubts." 

The role of Italia Viva is to allow you to return to the center of the political scene? 

“I was prime minister and I had a not secondary role in Salvini's fall. I didn't need to make a new party to play a role. But I think that today in politics there is a prairie for a new, non-ideological party, capable of making green and pink choices on the environment and women and that speaks a contemporary language. The space of Italia Viva is this, among the people, not the constant daily chatter in the buildings. The next few months will prove it. Just come to Leopolda to have a taste. We will present a detailed industrial plan for Italy. We are interested in fighting tariffs, not engaging in controversy. We want to unblock the construction sites, not quarrel in the majority. And above all, we have ideas to offer, not something to ask "

 

Renzi: "Services cannot depend only on the Premier"