I hope that my government can help change Italian mentality.

I have the most profound respect for the Department of Justice and the FTC. We in Europe are a younger and I would say junior institution to the historical antitrust experience of the US.

The two greatest priorities for my government are tackling tax evasion and corruption.

In the area of macroeconomic policies, I think we'll see more centralization, like in the budgetary sphere.

If the euro becomes a factor promoting Europe's drifting apart, then the foundation of the European project is destroyed.

There is no government in Europe where ministers go through that kind of confirmation process, which in fact is modeled on the way the U.S. cabinet members are confirmed.

My aspiration is not to be loved. It is that my government be respected and credible.

I am certain that most Germans have instinctive liking for Italy, just as Italians admire Germans for their many qualities.

I know that speaking with parties, which I do, but not very often, is seen by many as a contamination.

It is very unusual for a country to ask guys who are not politicians to come and run the country.

I believe that in Europe, we have a collective leadership.

Let the mind help us to get there, after we have decided with our heart. Let the mind follow us, rather than lead us.

Liked" was the kiss of death. "Loved" or "hated" interested him. At least the performer had aroused emotion.

In a free country there is much clamor with little suffering in a despotic state there is little complaint with much grievance.

Start to laugh and everything will go well.

Unfortunately, I am not like a snail or a turtle, and I can't take my houses with me when I move.

The word of a gentleman is as good as his bond — sometimes better; as in the present case, where his bond might prove but a doubtful sort of security.

I've played everything but a harp.

If you have love you will do all things well.

I'm a fashion designer and people think, what do I know?

All history shows that, in exact proportion as nations advance in civilisation, the accounts of miracles taking place among them become rarer and rarer, until at last they entirely cease.