Antonio Tajani: “FI is autonomous, with Marina we are friends, I am nobody’s tool”

NEW YORK – On the flight between Rome and New York, in a corner of Ita’s business class. There is also a book by Ian Kershaw, “Fatal Choices”. They determined the fate of the world between May 1940 and December 1941. However, too late to avoid the Second World War, due to excessive timidity towards Hitler.

Minister Antonio Tajani, won’t Italy be too shy about weapons in Kiev? And won’t it be because of Salvini, who goes to Orbán and forces you to be cautious?

«Our line does not change. Salvini has never voted against the government’s position. Forza Italia only opposed the amendment on the end of all restrictions on the use of weapons on Russian territory. Orbán is the rotating president of the Union and Salvini was there for the council of transport ministers. In any case, foreign policy is made by the prime minister and the foreign minister. Meloni and I.”

We’ll be back in a bit. Let’s talk first about Forza Italia, the stability of the government, Marina Berlusconi and Mario Draghi.

«Well, good: why do you always think that Marina tells Forza Italia “do this, do that”? It’s not true, they never ask us anything. The father was head of the party, they are businessmen friends who support us. And one day you write “Marina despises Tajani”, another “this is how they work to chase out Melons and put Dragons in”… It’s not like that. And I am not a tool in anyone’s hands.”

However, on extra profits for banks, listen to Berlusconi’s sensitivity.

«We are very against taxes imposed from above. If a way is found, agreed with the banks, to help the state coffers, that’s fine. A tax risks causing cooperative and popular credit banks to go bankrupt, they must be defended.”

One-time withdrawal?

“No. A contribution that allows for greater income, for example by not demanding certain payments. It may be linked to liquidity, the banks are studying the hypotheses.”

Bless them. Citizens are not usually asked to study how to contribute.

«Citizens vote and there is a Parliament that decides. The stability of the banking system is in their interest. If it fails, we all pay.”

Tajani, let’s get back to the point: aren’t you interpreting Berlusconi’s wishes?

«Forza Italia does not take the line from Mediolanum. I don’t take orders from them. There is no interest. AND it is an infamous slander to claim that whatever we do is for the Berlusconi. I don’t have a double life, I don’t have two families, I don’t go on luxury holidays, if anything I go to Fiuggi.”

How are the relationships between you and Meloni?

“Always the same.”

And those between Marina and the prime minister? He saw Mario Draghi before Meloni. What’s happening?

«But sorry, you’re an entrepreneur who has to invest. There is a gentleman who makes a report on competitiveness, it is clear that he speaks to us! What does it matter if he sees it before or after? If I had done it, that’s fine, but Marina is an entrepreneur, not the party secretary.”

Maybe it will become one?

«You make films. Obviously if Marina gives me an idea, I listen to it. By the way, you’re the same ones who said it was she who asked me right schoolbut you were talking about rights in general.”

And then there was Gianni Letta. Did he bypass her by not involving her?

«But Letta does that job, he is a consultant for that company, a Fininvest man, he is not a member of Forza Italia. It keeps business away from party. He is a dear friend who often gives me excellent advice.”

With Silvio Berlusconi Letta was also central to politics.

«But now the situation is different. In Forza Italia the statutory bodies decide.”

What happens if they condemn Salvini? Repercussions on the government?

«Nothing changes. No consequences. I hope he can be acquitted, but in any case the final sentences count. Then let me tell you that I find no legal basis in the prosecutor’s accusation, aimed at overturning a political choice.”

If a political choice coincides with a crime, it’s a crime, don’t you think?

“Certain. But it’s not like there was a crime here.”

In short, you will not give up on Salvini even if he is convicted.

«It’s not a question of sympathy or friendship towards Salvini. It’s a political fact. And all this shows that justice reform is needed quickly.”

Could it be that all this movement of ministers will lead to a reshuffle?

«For goodness sake, no reshuffles. It is useful when there is a political crisis.”

Meanwhile, great maneuvers in the center, Tajani. Carfagna and Gelmini pass with Lupi. Disappointed? Or didn’t you want them?

«I’m not disappointed, why should I? No negotiations ever made. Welcome to the center-right. And there will be other arrivals in Forza Italia.”

There is controversy over the idea of ​​compulsory home insurance for disaster damage. What does FI say?

«For us it must be optional and not mandatory».

Let’s go back to the lack of green light for the use of weapons on Russian territory. Minister, the no is only from Rome and Orbán, doesn’t it embarrass you?

«We only voted against the possibility of removing any limit. It’s not like we can bomb Moscow, so to speak. To tell the truth, not even the United States accepts it for now. But our line does not change. And the Ukrainians use weapons of their own making.”

You seem shy.

«We sent nine packages. Zelensky asks us for Samp-T, we provide it to him.”

The previous government seemed “no ifs or buts” with Kiev, didn’t you?

«It’s not like that! I was in Paris for the “quintet” meeting, everyone wants peace, Zelensky presented the plan. Should we oppose Zelensky from the right?”.

Isn’t diplomacy failing? Do you see a window for peace between today and the US presidential elections?

“It’s not failing, it’s too blunt to say it… In America we vote in two months, time is short, but in general I see a space for a peace conference and for some steps forward.”

Trump o Harris?

«We are neutral. A different position would be suicidal.”

What do you say about Harris?

«He is not from the left of the Democrats, he is the moderate wing. Did you see the statement about the gun?”

What about Trump? Wouldn’t that be destabilizing?

«We remember the one from ten years ago, but a few things have happened. He changed some positions, for example on abortion.”

How he handled the assault on Capitol Hill hasn’t changed.

«He wasn’t president. Or rather, it was, but on the way out.”

In place of Meloni would he have been rewarded by Musk? Wasn’t it reckless, to wink at Trump?

«I met Musk too. Everyone chooses who they want, but I say it seems to me to be a more entrepreneurial choice than a political one. It is not aimed at Trump, but at the leader of an industrial giant.”