Strasbourg, 11/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - The leaders of the European political groups have provided a harsh response to the latest political rumours emanating from Italy. Prime Minister Mario Monti has effectively notified his intention to resign after his predecessor, Silvio Berlusconi, announced that he would run for office in the general elections announced for February 2013. Rejecting any kind of populism, the European People's Party (EPP) refused to give its backing on Tuesday 11 December to Berlusconi, although his political party, the People of Freedom Party, is a member of the EPP group.
During the press conference of the European Parliament political groups, Hannes Swoboda (S&D, Austria) did not mince his words. He described the new theatrics as customary in Italian politics but that it was a disaster that damaged Italy's image, particularly on the stock markets. He added that the Italian people must be kept up to speed, Berlusconi is trying to destroy stability. Adopting a similar tone, the president of the EPP, Joseph Daul from France, criticised the behaviour of Berlusconi and explained that we don't need ' show business' politics but rather, robust management. All the member parties of the EPP consider that bringing down the government of Mario Monti is a serious mistake”. While acknowledging the appropriateness of this minority government, the head of the Greens, Daniel Cohn-Bendit from Germany confirmed that early elections were necessary, saying Italy is at a crossroads and Italian society has to choose.
The leader of the Italian MEPs in Berlusconi's People of Freedom Party, Mario Mauro, described these elections as more like a referendum on Europe than on Berlusconi. He said the party is on Europe's side. This is what loving Italy means, there are no other political options. He affirmed that Europe was not to blame for Italy's problems. He added that the EPP is deciding to keep the door open to all those that want to keep this European mantle and all those that have mass support without being populist. The principles of a people's party must prevail. Mauro did allude, however, to the “moment of madness”, which brought down the Monti government. (MD/transl.fl)