The President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano has selected Professor Mario Monti to head a new government in the financially embattled nation.
The President said upon the appointment:
“This is the moment of trial, the time of the utmost sense of responsibility. It is not time to revenge nor engage in factional recriminations. It’s time to re-establish a climate of greater confidence and mutual respect. We operate all, in the coming months, for the common good, bringing the country out of the most acute phase of the financial crisis.”
Professor Monti is well known as a leading pro-European economist. The President of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy, welcomed his appointment, saying “We believe that it sends a further encouraging signal – following the swift adoption of the 2012 Stability Law – of the Italian authorities’ determination to overcome the current crisis.”