Cossutta (GUE/NGL). – (IT) Mr President, Italy, which so long ago was among the founders of the European Community, today has the great task of taking Europe fully into its historic continental enlargement and the launching of its first Constitution. This is our hope and also our commitment but, frankly, it is bad for Italy and for Europe that the person who is to represent us during the coming six months is Silvio Berlusconi. The whole of Europe knows that he represents an anomaly unparalleled elsewhere in the world. An immense weight hangs over him and his actions because of the ongoing conflict between his own personal interests and those of the people of Italy and Europe as a whole. He is the richest man in Italy: his immense economic power and his private affairs, which are present in every field of activity, conflict with the laws, the standards and the very principles of the State; they conflict with justice, and that is the truth. It is very sad for Italy and for Europe to have to read fierce criticism of him in the most respected newspapers in every country. You have all read it, ladies and gentlemen, so I will not repeat it: it is harsh criticism, but it is true.

For all of us it is a cause of the greatest concern to see someone at the head of the Council who, during the war in Iraq, acted not to unite Europe but to divide it, by coming out against the feelings expressed by the vast majority of the people of Europe and once again adopting subservient positions towards the United States; someone who on international issues departs from the prevailing European line, on relations with Israel and Palestine, for instance, or the dramatic immigration question; someone who, on economic and social issues, starting with the attack on pensions, has espoused an extremely laissez-faire and deeply anti-popular line.

Mr Berlusconi is the right, and the worst, most dangerous kind of European right, and I therefore have no illusions. Frankly, I expect the Berlusconi term of office will prove to be a total disaster. I hope at least that, in the interests of Europe and my homeland of Italy, the damage can be kept to a minimum. Let this be quite clear: for this reason we shall act decisively out of a pure sense of national responsibility and a staunch European spirit. For this very reason, we shall oppose him and his politics.