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The President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, today met with the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano. He also met the President of the Council of Ministers, Silvio Berlusconi.
President Van Rompuy had an exchange of views with them on the current political situation in Italy and on the reform programme. He recalled that leaders of the eurozone welcomed the firm commitment by Italy to achieve the objectives of fiscal consolidation and structural reform, and stressed the importance of its urgent implementation.
President Van Rompuy also called on the Italian leadership to clarify the political situation as soon as possible in order for a new government to implement the ambitious reform package without any delay. Italy needs reforms and not elections. Broad based political and social support are essential to reassure European partners and the international investors that Italy is committed to doing what it is necessary to set its debt on a steady downward path.