Lucky to have Mattarella and Draghi in Italy says Macron

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 7 - Europe and France are lucky to have such "brave and pro-European" figures as President Mattarella and Premier Mario Draghi, French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday.
    "We are very lucky to have an Italian president and a premier who are so courageous, pro-European and friends of France," said Macron answering a question on the Italian presidency, which Mattarella vacates on February 3 with Draghi the bookies' favourite to succeed him.
    Speaking at a press conference with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, Macron added: "I don't usually comment on issues of domestic policy (in other countries), including a friendly country like Italy".
    He declined to comment on the race for the presidential Quirinale Palace. (ANSA).