Italians in the previous administration of the European Union didn't have a say in economic and financial policy, Giuseppe Conte told Corriere della Sera. In an interview published on Thursday, after the outgoing European Commission decided to scrap the sanctions procedure against his government, Italy's prime minister said the position of a commissioner responsible for competition or another "significant economic portfolio" would be more important than the office of the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, currently held by Federica Mogherini.
"It will allow us to influence the choices," he stressed and revealed aspirations for a greater strategic role. Christine Lagarde of France, who is set to take over from Italian Mario Draghi as the president of the European Central Bank, has a similar monetary policy vision, Conte asserted and added the switch will allow a push by his cabinet and the country's representatives to obtain a seat on the institution's board.
Turning to the deal with the European Commission, he expressed the view "the maximum was made" as the government in Rome proved the accuracy of its projections, showing more revenue and savings. It may "paradoxically" give the country "a greater say in European economic policy," in his view.
