From Ukraine to the banks. Tajani distances himself from Salvini and the League.

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He assures that Italy will not send troops to Ukrainian soil, but foreign policy—says Antonio Tajani, sending a message to Matteo Salvini—"is made by the prime minister and the foreign minister." The Forza Italia leader tries to defuse the controversy sparked by the other deputy prime minister of the Northern League against Emmanuel Macron ("there is no diplomatic crisis"), but at the same time establishes several points, from the war in Ukraine to international relations, and even the regional elections.

He made this statement from Rimini, where he was a guest at the Communion and Liberation meeting. Tajani then reiterated that with France "there is collaboration, although there may be differing views, but that doesn't mean we should sever relations. Have I spoken to my French counterpart in recent days? Yes. The Prime Minister is in touch with Macron, I am in touch with the Foreign Minister. We just finished the G7 meeting together; yesterday we prepared it," he said this morning to Agorà.

Yesterday, the FI secretary also said that with the Elysée Palace "there is no diplomatic crisis," while explaining that "if arguments must be asserted, one wins with the strength of ideas, not with the violence of words." This position prompted a reaction from the Northern League a few hours later: "The frankness that distinguishes us in the League may sometimes seem harsh, but it has often proven to be the voice of reason. Better to be clear today than to have military quagmires tomorrow. Salvini reiterated this clearly: Italy must not be dragged into the idea of ​​sending troops to Ukraine," was the opinion of the League group leader in the Senate, Massimiliano Romeo.

Among the options currently circulating, Tajani himself mentioned it ("we could make a significant contribution given our extensive experience in both maritime and land mine clearance"), is the use of specialized forces to clear conflict zones. European governments will continue to discuss the matter, seeking a consensus among the various positions.

But international turmoil isn't the only issue between Forza Italia and the League. And after Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti's jab at banks, urging them to do more for families, Tajani was clear: "A country like ours cannot do without a strong banking system," so "no pinching." Instead, we need to "talk" with credit institutions. Avoid "hunting them down," because that would mean "hunting down the Italian industrial and entrepreneurial system." Furthermore, "strange operations" must be avoided, which the Forza Italia party is already prepared to oppose, as has already happened. And the same goes for "the pension funds" of professionals, which "as long as Forza Italia is in government" will never be included in the INPS (National Institute of Social Security).

Tajani also spoke about the regional elections, specifically the Veneto region, reiterating a belief he'd already expressed in recent days. A Northern League candidate? "I have no preconceptions about anyone; we must choose the best candidates for the best possible outcome. Of course, in Veneto, we can't create a League list and a meaningless Zaia list, because not every party representative can create a list, because that's not good. This can't be part of a political agreement."

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