An hour of interview. At Palazzo Chigi, Prime Minister Mario Draghi saw the secretary of the League, Matteo Salvini, face to face. At the center of the conversation, a note reads «the recent visit to the United States, during which Italy’s commitment to peace was reaffirmed through support for Ukraine, the imposition of sanctions on Russia, the renewed demand for a ceasefire and the start of credible negotiations ”. During the meeting – continues the note from Palazzo Chigi – “the economic and humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict were also discussed, with particular reference to the need to prevent a large-scale food crisis and to continue along the path of hospitality. to Ukrainian refugees ». While on the energy front, “the importance of a path that combines diversification of supply sources and investments in renewables was shared”
Salvini: further arms shipments are not a solution
So far the official note which was followed by the statements of the leader of the League who first of all reiterated his perplexity about the sending of new weapons to Ukraine. “Sending economic and military aid to Ukraine” was initially “right and we voted with conviction”. Now «I don’t think further shipments of weapons are the right solution. Dialogue is not prepared by sending other weapons, ”Salvini said at the end of the meeting with Draghi. Also because “if the war goes on in Italy too, there will be a slaughter of jobs”.
“Italy is the protagonist of disarmament and peace”
Salvini said he was satisfied because “compared to the warlike tones that existed for almost everyone until a few days ago”, now we are talking “finally and concretely about peace, a ceasefire, saving lives”. And the fact that President Draghi “went to Washington to bring words and projects for peace, the idea of a new Europe that puts peace and disarmament at the center and the safeguarding of jobs at home is something on which I have been working for more than two months and it is starting to see the first fruits ». And again: “We talked about how to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible with a leading Italy”
“On Nato, prudence and common sense should be the guide”
More conciliatory tones on the accession to NATO of Finland and Sweden after the affirmations of recent days that “expanding NATO borders does not bring peace closer”. “Salvini and Draghi do not decide on the enlargement of NATO – the leader of the Northern League declared today -. There are two countries that will freely and sovereignly make their demands. Let’s say that as some general and ambassadors of absolute depth are commenting these days, prudence and common sense, in a moment of open conflict and dialogue that has not yet begun, should guide all the processes. The important thing is to look for what approaches and not what distances “
Salvini: we will find an agreement on bathing establishments, protections and compensation
But the meeting with Prime Minister Draghi was also meant to be an opportunity to unravel the knots on the fiscal delegation and the competition bill, in particular on the issue of bathing concessions. “As we found it in the land registry”, also on the competition “I count that an agreement will be reached” assured the leader of the League who spoke of the need to “adjust the fees” and “guarantee” and “protect those on the beach they have the main source of income “. Then, he added that “it is important that adequate compensation is provided in recognition of the value of the company in the event of non-renewal”