“Children? They will decide what to do…”- Corriere.it

Antonio Tajani, how does it feel to be called “president of Forza Italia” after 30 years in which that definition belonged only to Silvio Berlusconi?
«In the meantime, we must first get to the National Council to elect the president. I will ask in the Presidential Committee that it be held before the summer break. We have a lot to do: the electoral campaign in Molise, many initiatives already in the works. For the rest, nobody feels like Berlusconi’s replacement. It would be impossible. Until election day, I will try to lead Forza Italia without fear of facing difficulties, and with the clear line that Berlusconi has entrusted to us”.

Which?

«Loyalty to the centre-right government, institutional reforms, de-bureaucratisation, raising minimum pensions, lower taxes, more infrastructure, Europeanism and Atlanticism, a pragmatic and non-ideological environmentalism and a leading role within the EPP. We will not change.”

But how do you govern a party with so many souls that only Berlusconi has so far held together?

«It is done in harmony with the ruling class and respecting the statute. We must all be involved in this process, all of us».

Until the congress? And when will he be summoned, have you decided?

“We will see, certainly not before next year, but the work for the Europeans and for the roots in the territory, the membership, the expansion of our party, we must start it immediately”.

Until Berlusconi’s death FI was a party divided between Tajanians and ministerials, who referred to Ronzulli, the so-called «Fascina boys», not to mention governors like Schifani who asked for more space. Now what’s up?

«I’ve always been against currents, I don’t believe in personalities but in people and I’m sure everyone will have something important to do. Everyone, it is my intention, will be involved, the movement must be united. We are not starting from scratch: we are all supporters of this government. As the group leaders demonstrate, there is already representation from the North, South and Centre. And I repeat: there will be a role for anyone who wants to work ».

Will you give more space to your representatives in the area?

«The presidents of the Region are a precious resource, like the mayors. Imagine if I, who come from the area where I have always looked for votes one by one, do not understand the weight of those who drive it and work there. Then, by statute, we will see how to organize ourselves ».

You said that there is no need for a formal assignment for Marta Fascina. Is it a comeback?
«But imagine, she will do what she wants to do, in these painful days I haven’t even allowed myself to disturb her. She was Berlusconi’s life partner. I repeat, she will decide what to do. Now what matters to you is to work all together, united ».

To do what? What is your first goal today?

“We must not disperse the consensus that is reaching us on the emotional wave of the greatness of the figure of Berlusconi, the organizational charts count for little.”

Before the leader’s disappearance, a profound reorganization of the party had been thought about, also with coordinators for the North, the Center and the South. Now?

«Now of course, and out of respect for Berlusconi, we leave everything as it is. I won’t name names, I won’t touch anything. I will involve everyone, the national leaders, I will speak to the elected officials, starting with the parliamentary groups. Then a new path will begin, we will see together how».

Do you rule out a direct commitment, in the field, of one of the children, to have a Berlusconi directly involved in politics?

“They will decide. At the moment Marina was very clear. They are beside us, they encourage us, they support us, in “respecting the different roles”».

Paolo Berlusconi’s candidacy in Monza?

“We haven’t talked about it, really. Three months to go.”

Let me be honest: are you not afraid that FI will become a hunting ground for other parties?

«We are firmly in the majority, growing in the polls, we have excellent relations with the Lega and FdI: but why should people flee? To go where? If anything, we can be a pole of attraction for liberal, Catholic, intellectual profiles, as Berlusconi did in the era of the “professors”».

Point by point: what changes inside Forza Italia after Berlusconi’s death?

Does your position firmly in the EPP help?

“Of course, because we are the heirs of Schumann and De Gasperi, the founders of Europe, because we fully recognize ourselves in those values ​​and in those battles, because we have clear ideas and – without conflicts with our allies – we will enforce them”.

Will you act as intermediary for a pact between the Conservatives of Meloni and the PPE?

«We are in favor of a picture of this kind, but obviously the vote must be awaited. We will be there, in a central position as we are in Italy, in the centre-right, essential for winning and governing. Always”.

Meanwhile, the government’s choice to exercise golden power to prevent Chinese properties from playing a decisive role in Pirelli was striking: are you abandoning the Silk Road?

«On the Silk Road we are discussing what to do as a government. For Pirelli, the golden power has been used to defend national interests: there are highly specialized sectors – which, as in this case, provide sensitive data – which cannot be accessed by a government or state other than ours. The national interest is our polar star”.

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