“There is Omicron which has a significantly higher contagion capacity than the other variants, in Italy the infections with Omicron are less than 0.2%, in other countries the variant is very widespread, for example in Denmark, very widespread in the United Kingdom, so it was decided to implement the same practice that is used today for visitors coming from the United Kingdom. I don’t think there is much to reflect on this ». These were the words of the Prime Minister, Mario Draghi, in the Chamber, during the official communications of the government in view of the European Council starting tomorrow in Brussels. Words in response to European doubts on the introduction by the Italian government of new restrictions for those entering the beautiful country, a measure also criticized by the opposition: for the Brothers of Italy this is an “absurd” decision. “The government first promises citizens greater freedom with the green pass, then establishes the super green pass, and finally imposes the toughest restrictions in Europe,” says the group leader in the Chamber, Francesco Lollobrigida.
In his speech, centered on pandemic, energy and geopolitics, Draghi however wanted to begin by recalling the victims of Ravanusa, in the Agrigento area. «It is essential that light be shed on what happened in Ravanusa, to ascertain all responsibility. Episodes like this are unacceptable, they must not happen ”, began Draghi, after a moved applause in the classroom for the nine victims, whom the premier listed by name.
Coronavirus, Dragons on Omicron variant: “We need caution, but we are approaching Christmas better prepared”
The pandemic
Draghi then started talking about the pandemic. «I want to encourage those who have not been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. And who did, to do the third dose. Getting vaccinated is essential. To protect ourselves, our loved ones, our community. And to keep the economy, schools, places of sociality open “. Governments, he said, “have made commitments to help poorer states with vaccines. These commitments must be followed up “.
The premier explained: «Today’s data describe a very different picture compared to last year. The total number of people currently positive for the virus in Italy is 297,000. Twelve months ago it was 675,000, despite a much higher level of restrictions. The people hospitalized are 8,026. As of December 14, 2020, there were 30,860. In the past seven days, there have been an average of 95 deaths per day. In the same period a year ago there were 629. We must be cautious, but we are approaching Christmas more prepared and safer ». In the replies, the premier will also make a colorful joke: “We are happy with how this year went and, as Mr Noja said, we must defend the normality that we have conquered ‘tooth and nail”.
The rincari
«The increase in the cost of energy is mainly linked to economic causes, such as the global economic recovery and bottlenecks in supplies. These transitory factors should be at least partially overcome in the course of 2022, with the normalization of consumption and the overcoming of bottlenecks ”, explained Draghi. Then he added: «The increases also reflect a structural problem of the energy transition. The expansion of renewables is still incomplete, also due to the hesitations of the governments of many countries. At the same time, to achieve the goal of reducing emissions, globally we use fewer fossil fuels such as coal. The result is a dependence on transitional fuels such as gas, with the risk of rising prices ».
Investments and new rules
In the reruns, the premier also spoke of the framework for new investments. «Today we are faced with extraordinary investments, in the ecological transition, in the digital transition, in defense. And these investments are unthinkable with the current European budgetary rules.
Energy, commitment to reduce emissions at EU level
«The government – Draghi reflects before the deputies – has undertaken to define a clear trajectory of decarbonization, with rapid but realistic times, and with measurable objectives. We are committed to defining a path to reduce emissions at European level that takes into account the ability to reconvert our production fabric. To rapidly increase production from renewable sources, we have allocated large funds and simplified administrative procedures ».
Utility bills
On the bills, the prime minister announced: “Since June the government has allocated more than 4 billion” against the high bills. “For next year, we have forecast another 3.8 billion and we are ready to add more resources if the price trend does not stabilize. For the first quarter of 2022, we are canceling the general system charges for household electricity, to small businesses, for micro-enterprises; we reduce the VAT rate to 5 per cent and we reduce the general system charges for gas; and for the poorest and most seriously ill citizens, there is almost a billion to strengthen the concessions “.
In his reply, Draghi then added: against the expensive bills there are «massive allocations, of an extent never seen before, aimed at relieving the weakest from the rise in energy prices. These appropriations cannot go on indefinitely, so a structural solution is needed and a reflection on the energy price mechanism must be made. In Europe, a reflection has begun in which Cingolani is an active part. It is difficult to think of a structural reflection that does not call those who have accrued profits to share common costs ».
Confirm expansionary budget policy in 2022
The premier confirms the expansionary budget policy: «However, elements of uncertainty remain, such as the spread of the Omicron variant and inflationary pressures, also linked to the increase in energy prices. Faced with these risks, it is right to confirm an expansive budget policy for 2022, which will consolidate the path of growth and focus above all on investments “.
Fight against hybrid and cyber threats and disinformation
Draghi in the House lists as essential for his government “strengthening defenses against hybrid threats and disinformation. Fundamental for our security, even in the face of new cyber threats ». The previous two governments denied we had a serious problem.
Migrants, and Belarus
Draghi says: «The legal channels of immigration represent a resource, not a threat to our society. At the same time, a shared, rapid and effective management of returns is needed. Adequate funds for the Central Mediterranean route. The EU must step up voluntary and assisted returns. Europe needs to speak out against the exploitation of migrants by the Belarusian regime “
Ukraine-Russia
Draghi, while inviting both countries to respect the Minsk agreements, however asked for an explicit European intervention on Russia: «The European Council must urgently ask Russia to reduce tensions with Ukraine. Diplomacy remains the only way to resolve the Donbass conflict. A peaceful solution cannot ignore, on both sides, compliance with the Minsk agreements ”. It is clear how much the premier, in full harmony with Joe Biden (Italy has just entered – which is not a foregone conclusion – the Quint group that has to face the Russian-Ukrainian skein), tries to relocate Rome in an Atlanticist sphere, overcoming the uncertainties that have also made more opaque the action on the Donbass of important European partners of Italy.