Farmers, League: “Ursula not credible. The government can do more”

Interview by Affaritaliani.it to Gianmarco Centinaio, vice-president of the Senate of the League and former Minister of Agriculture

“President Von der Leyen in all these years has allowed ideological environmentalism to pass over the heads of companies and workers, starting with those in the agricultural world.” With these words Gianmarco Centinaio, vice-president of the Senate of the League and former Minister of Agricultureanswers the question of Affaritaliani.it whether President Ursula von der Leyen's overtures to farmers are sufficient or the European Union should do more. Von der Leyen “only realizes the damage he has done today, with tractors on the streets of half of Europe and elections around the corner. It honestly seems a little late to be credible. Now he says he wants to loosen the constraints of the Green Deal for agriculture, reform the CAP and withdraw the proposed regulation on pesticides. Well, we take note of it and are happy that she finally listens to what we, among the few, have been telling her since she took office. But we don't illusions. A real turning point in the balance between environmental sustainability and the needs of businesses and families will only be possible with a new majority and a new European Commission“.

When asked what the Italian government can and should do for the agricultural sector and whether Minister Lollobrigida is doing his best or can do more, Centinaio replies: “The government is doing a lot, but we can always do more. For example, the League is asking for the possibility of reintroducing the suspension of agricultural income tax. Our group leader in the Chamber Riccardo Molinari has presented an amendment to the Milleproroghe and a discussion is underway to find the necessary money. We are talking about around 200 million euros. I think that if President Meloni wanted, the government could make those resources available without too many difficulties. They would serve to send a signal to farmers who are telling us in every way that they cannot get by, that they risk closing their businesses and abandoning their fields. My appeal is addressed to all parties, not just the majority: let's listen to their reasons”, concludes the vice-president of the Senate of the League.