Foti: “Vannacci and the M5S want Russian gas.” And to the Lega: it’s actions that count, not statements

Those pushing for a return to Russian gas “are engaging in demagoguery”. This is the headline with which the Corriere della Sera features an interview with Tommaso Foti, Minister for European Affairs, on its front page. According to the Fratelli d’Italia politician, following Giorgia Meloni’s statements ahead of the European Council, “there are no more political excuses”, because the Prime Minister’s speech “was based on technical certainties”. In the Senate, Meloni had explained that the surge in fuel prices is mainly due to the war in Iran, not the one in Ukraine. Foti condemns those calling for the taps from Moscow to be turned back on: “Both Futuro Nazionale and the M5S are saying we should buy Russian gas”. He unites the two camps under a single label: “There is no difference between the centre-left and Futuro Nazionale: both vote against the government and are therefore part of the very broad opposition bloc.” In this interpretation, Vannacci is not a rival to Meloni on the right but a de facto ally of the opposition.

The most sensitive part concerns the Lega. Just yesterday, the Lega’s Deputy Minister Edoardo Rixi asked why Italy should give up Russian gas and diesel if Spain and Belgium are buying them. Foti does not mention him, but replies: “Statements are one thing; parliamentary actions are another”. The Lega, he points out, “voted for the resolution alongside us, as always, just as it has on all aid to Ukraine”.

On the war, the minister defends the centre-right’s document calling on Russia and Ukraine to halt their mutual attacks on energy infrastructure. He explains why, in his view, the debate over the cost-effectiveness of Russian gas is misleading: “It only serves to enrich Moscow”. Otherwise, he concludes, “the risk is that we will continue to speak with too many different voices”.

The interview comes as the Prime Minister, on the second day of the European Council in Brussels, is trying to secure greater flexibility on energy, whilst in Italy lorry drivers are protesting against high diesel prices with roadblocks and sit-ins stretching from Calabria to the A1 motorway.