Italian Premier Paolo
Gentiloni has expressed optimism on Italy's economic dynamism
and newfound confidence in the EU while warning against the
dangers of populism, in a speech at New York University ahead of
his address at a UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
"Geo-political instability is still present, but at the same
time economic dynamism and, in Europe, a renewed sentiment of
confidence in our common pathway, are fostering hope that we are
moving towards better times," Gentiloni said in his address at
NYU's Italian cultural institute Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimo'
shortly after his arrival in New York on Tuesday.
The premier also issued a warning against populism in Italy
and beyond.
"The masters of illusions are at work to ensure that the
legitimate causes of anger and frustration are exploited as much
as possible to gain power and an economic advantage", he said.
"The masters of illusions always cite a distant past, a
golden age that never existed".
The premier urged instead to look at the future, saying signs
of economic recovery in Italy "have turned into an undeniable
economic growth" that has been constant since the second half of
2014, although he urged for caution and "not to lose momentum in
our reform efforts".
He cited two key drivers for the government - continuing to
improve conditions at home, in particular with the next budget
law, and strengthening Europe, which is going through "a new
phase".
Europe, he said, "needs strong economic policies" without
turning austerity into the only compass of political action.
The prime minister also spoke about immigration, noting that
the phenomenon "can't be stopped - it's totally impossible".
"It is a phenomenon that we must manage together with
Europe", he said.
"It is completely unrealistic to think that only countries
like Italy and Greece can deal with it".
Gentiloni also referred to US President Donald Trump's
maiden speech at the UN General Assembly, noting that "Italy is
convinced that multilateralism is the only way to confront
global challenges and problems".
"I don't think that a country can do it alone, it is not a
realistic solution", he said.
"I understand defending one's interests but it is necessary
to do so with a multilateral approach - the only way to confront
a crisis like North Korea, the climate issue and that of free
trade".
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