Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has dismissed suggestions that Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti’s delay in signing a new government aid package for Ukraine indicates tensions within the ruling coalition.
He made the remarks during an interview with Rai radio on Tuesday, 10 November, according to ANSA.
“The package concerning arms supplies to Kyiv is a classified document. It must be signed in person. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and I have already signed it, and formal approval has also been obtained from the Ministry of Economy and Finance,” Tajani explained.
According to the Foreign Minister, Giorgetti, who supports the decision, was in Brussels yesterday and was therefore unable to sign the document in person.
“He will sign it as soon as he returns to Rome. There is no mystery or ‘storm’ here. Italy will continue to support Ukraine, in the hope that peace can be achieved soon,” he added.
Giorgetti is a member of the right-wing League party, whose leader, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, has repeatedly expressed scepticism about Italy’s policy of supporting Kyiv.
Furthermore, following his re-election as leader of the League last month, Salvini said he would push for an end to Italy’s economic and military support for Ukraine.
