It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to say how this will end. To say, however, that Italian banks – thanks to the banking crisis – have demonstrated their strength, vitality and ambition is a fact that offers an interesting insight into the future of our country. Stories, highlights and the future

The Minister for the Economy sought to send a message regarding this government’s ability to establish a new balance of power with the banking system: “With sound, profitable and innovative banks, the country is stronger. The reverse is also true.”

Giorgetti’s message is that the era of the state as a shareholder in commercial banks – a role it assumed to prevent collapses and complete restructuring – must come to an end. Acting swiftly would not be a bad idea