Here is the text of an interview I granted to today’s "Il Giornale".
Il Giornale: Minister Antonio Di Pietro, you are originally from Molise, but have you perhaps also left a little piece of your heart in Milan?
Antonio Di Pietro: Much more than just a little piece. I am a Molise-Lombard ».
Il Giornale: So you also then get the feeling of the problems felt throughout the North, which have been exacerbated by the Malpensa-Alitalia situation?
Antonio Di Pietro: Firstly, I would like to separate the two phenomena. As regards the problems of the North, of course I notice them. However, it is one thing to notice a problem, while it is totally another thing to exacerbate the problem in an exploitative manner. What I actually believe is this. On top of the sense of trouble that is actually being felt, there is also a certain amount of exploitation going on, something that is certainly not helpful in terms of solving problems and which relies on demonstrations in order to further the cause. Instead, when facing serious problems, what is required is a greater sense of responsibility. Not a street demonstration.
Il Giornale: And as regards Alitalia? Don’t you think that the choices that have been made, which also involve Malpensa, will land up exacerbating the problem?
Antonio Di Pietro: Just the other day, I attended a Cabinet meeting. There we were provided with all the information relating to this matter. Furthermore, as Minister for Infrastructure, I have received some additional documentation, which we were asked to keep confidential. It follows, therefore, that I am bound by confidentiality requirements as regards the Alitalia issue and I cannot say anything.
Il Giornale: You are a member of a Government that exists only on paper since it no longer enjoys a Senate majority...
Antonio Di Pietro: Are you referring to Dini’s moves?
Il Giornale: Yes.
Antonio Di Pietro: Can I answer with a Di Pietro-ism?
Il Giornale: Certainly.
Antonio Di Pietro: Dini is trying to screw someone and, in the end, he will get screwed.
Il Giornale: Beg your pardon?
Antonio Di Pietro: He is taking advantage of the situation in order to gain personal advantage at the expense of others. But I don’t believe that he will succeed. Also because it is improper.
Il Giornale: And yet, Lamberto Dini’s criticisms levelled at the Budget are shared by a number of international and other organisations...
Antonio Di Pietro: That may well be true, however, his argument is somewhat like that of the man who has Ursula Andress and says that he actually wanted Carla Bruni. That is not the right way to go about getting things done! Furthermore, I don’t believe that his reasons are entirely altruistic. I believe that his intention is to set himself up politically.
Il Giornale: A legitimate operation. Furthermore, this is not the first time. In this current legislature, there are other similar examples of people switching allegiance...
Antonio Di Pietro: I don’t agree with regard to the legitimacy. I personally do not agree with what he is doing. I don’t believe it is proper. In my opinion he is making capital out of it.
Il Giornale: In what way?
Antonio Di Pietro: He is attempting to break down and reassemble majorities. If such a situation is destined to occur, then it must wait until after the elections and not before.
Il Giornale: And when exactly will the elections take place?
Antonio Di Pietro: I undertake to let you know immediately after the electoral committees have made the announcement.
Il Giornale: So everyone else is being good...
Antonio Di Pietro: What do you want me to say? Who know? You would need a crystal ball in order to know these things and I don’t have a crystal ball.