Monti Warns of Italy’s Social Tensions

Prime minister points out current challenges. “Concerted effort needed to emerge from crisis”

MILAN – Following his meeting with Benedict XVI, Prime Minister Mario Monti again spoke about Italy and Europe’s challenging economic situation. Mr Monti, who was at Rondine Citadella della Pace to address young people from the Rondine community, noted that “Italy is scarred by deep social tension” driven by a crisis that fuels “discontent, insecurity, frustration and anger”. But “if we carry on regarding each other with mutual suspicion, fears are fuelled and our strength undermined”, he said.

NO TO DESPONDENCY, ITALY MUST PULL THROUGH – The way out of the crisis is a “concerted effort”, said the PM, inviting his listeners “not to give in”. Part of that concerted effort is “an equitable distribution of the burden each must bear”. Despondency should not prevail over hope, said the premier. Italy, he went on, is “a nation capable of speaking amicably to, and eliciting good sense from, everyone, even those who are sworn enemies, except when it loses its way in an unjustified crisis of confidence”. At one of the most sensitive moments of his mandate, Mr Monti radiated optimism, belying rumours that he was tired or resentful of the many criticisms that his government has attracted. “I believe my task is achievable. Today, I return to Rome more comfortable in the role it has fallen to me to play in recent months”, he added.

UNITED FOR ITALY – Defying the challenges and politicians’ scepticism, Mr Monti explained his recipe for avoiding a political crisis: “I invite politicians to the table, sometimes quite literally,” because the table “is where you sit down with your enemy to overcome your hostilities”.

EUROPEAN UNION STILL FUNDAMENTAL – The prime minister’s horizons extended beyond Italy as he spoke up in defence of European Community institutions. “We are asked whether the European Union is still a model or whether it is slipping back. Both things are true but it remains a fundamental model. It is Italy’s duty, as a founder member with public opinion in favour, to make up for lost ground”.

English translation by Giles Watson

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