"I think a GDP of 1.2-1.4% is a wish. I look at Germany's recessionary economy and I deduce that some problems for our industry will create it but we will compensate with the positive performance of other sectors such as services and tourism". This was stated by the Minister of Economy, Giancarlo Giorgetti, during a meeting as part of the Trento Festival of Economics. "The government has always had a cautious attitude on the estimates and this has fueled a climate of confidence around this executive," he added.

"The ESM could also have other purposes than the reasons with which it was born"

With regard to the ratification of the ESM that has not yet taken place, Giorgetti said that "there is no blackmail" by Italy, given that in Europe there are also other tables that do not go ahead, such as the Banking Union. "In Parliament the ESM will arrive. A discussion has been started in Parliament and this has given the government a mandate not to carry it forward". But Parliament added, it could change this position "if some things change, thinking that the ESM could also have other purposes than the reasons with which it was born. We don't blackmail anyone by putting one thing on the plane with another. I am confident that a solution will be found."

Ita-Lufthansa agreement "will open up unthinkable spaces"

On the agreement with which Lufthansa has acquired a minority stake in Ita Airways, for the Minister of Economy "the important thing is that the Italian air transport market works, especially inbound. I have seen in this agreement many more pros than cons. The alliance with Lufthansa will open up unthinkable spaces for us. The prospect of being alone in a market such as aviation is wishful thinking, but the national interest will be protected. Lufthansa is a private company and moves with the logic of the market", and always according to the same logic "the participation of the Italian state could be reduced if things go well. The thirty-year history of the national airline has always led to the same decision. Our decision has found the consensus of the employees and this is a novelty".

The tax wedge reduction "we did it when our fiscal policy allowed us to do so"

On the reduction of the tax wedge, Giorgetti reiterated that it is a priority of the current executive. "We did the intervention to reduce the wedge when our public accounts policy allowed us to do so" and "this seems to me the correct way to proceed. In a situation of such high inflation, the government's priority is to confirm these measures for families with low and medium incomes".

Mps can become a coveted prey

"I see a game to win. Today MPS can become a coveted prey instead of something to keep away", said the Minister of Economy, on the famous Tuscan bank. "The government - he added - the ideas of a large bank with a public majority does not make sense. With great confidentiality and if conditions allow we will take the steps that need to be taken".

Reducing public debt "is part of our responsibilities and we will address it"

On the reduction of Italian public debt, Giorgetti said that the increase in debt was "also born to react to shocks that had external origins. Now it is a question of facing it, we are reducing it, it is also the commitment that we have assumed'. During the week - the Minister confirmed - it was here the delegation of the International Monetary Fund which obviously also asked us for this type of action. It is a commitment that is part of our responsibilities and that we will face".