Claudiu Stanasel is a senior member of the party Lega Toscana (League Tuscany), and works together with MEP and General Roberto Vannacci, one of the most well-known politicians in Italy at the moment. Stanasel is also the Vice President of the Municipal Council of Prato, the third largest city in central Italy by population after Rome and Florence, and the Head of the Lega group.
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We are seeing how in Europe there is a wind of change; Italy already started to implement new measures in 2022. What have been the main successes of the current government?
Since 2022 the Italian government has implemented a series of reforms that have strengthened the economy, improved the labour market, increased security, and made Italy a more influential player on the international stage.
One of the main achievements has been the consolidation of economic growth: GDP is expected to increase by 0.5 per cent in 2024 and 0.8 per cent in 2025, driven by domestic demand. The labour market has seen a significant improvement, with contract wages rising by 5.3 per cent in 2023, while the unemployment rate fell below 7.5 per cent, marking the lowest level in the past decade.
On the fiscal front, the government reduced the tax burden on businesses and workers, expanding the flat tax for VAT holders and raising the tax exemption threshold for families. At the same time, investments in infrastructure were encouraged, focusing on strengthening the railway network, improving highways, and revitalizing strategic projects such as the Strait of Messina Bridge.
The energy transition also received a strong boost, with investments in renewable energy and agreements to reduce Italy’s dependence on Russian gas, ensuring stability in energy prices.
In foreign trade, Italy has solidified its position as one of the world’s leading exporters, with export value reaching €626 billion in 2023, surpassing many countries. As of January 2025, the trade balance remains positive, with a surplus of €252 million. Investor confidence is reflected in the reduction of the spread below 100 basis points, signalling the country’s financial stability.
‘These tangible outcomes highlight the effectiveness and consistency of centre-right governments; the policies of patriots, nationalists, and conservatives’
As for security, the government strengthened law enforcement by increasing the number of agents and implementing stricter measures against illegal immigration. The Mattei Plan for Africa has represented a strategic shift in managing migration flows, focusing on agreements with countries of origin to prevent departures and combat human trafficking.
Finally, Italy has reinforced its international role, becoming a reference point for a more sovereign Europe, less dependent on the bureaucratic dynamics of Brussels. Cooperation with countries such as Poland and Hungary has strengthened the conservative bloc within the EU, while the government has bolstered its strong relations with the United States and the Mediterranean, relaunching Italy’s foreign policy.
These results demonstrate that the policies adopted by the government are yielding concrete effects, making Italy stronger, more competitive, and safer. Furthermore, these tangible outcomes highlight the effectiveness and consistency of centre-right governments; the policies of patriots, nationalists, and conservatives.
This Italian government represents a true political, cultural, and social renaissance for Europe, setting a positive example and achieving concrete results that inspire a brighter future for the continent.
The cooperation between PfE and ECR is good. However, the EPP seems to be working differently; do you think there can still be a real cooperation with them?
The cooperation between PfE and ECR is proving that a strong alliance between sovereignist and conservative forces is not only possible but necessary to counter the failed socialist-liberal establishment that has ruled Brussels for too long.
This model of a united centre-right coalition finds its foundation in the Italian experience, where the leadership of Silvio Berlusconi in the past and today’s government have shown that a cohesive coalition, built on a clear and shared program, can ensure stability, economic growth, and real answers to citizens’ needs.
However, the EPP continues to pursue an ambiguous strategy, torn between seeking compromises with the left and maintaining a connection with conservative forces. This indecisiveness risks making it a politically weak and unreliable actor, unable to meet the challenges of a Europe that demands strong leadership, not endless negotiations that lead to watered-down solutions.
‘For too long, European elites have imposed ideological policies that have weakened our economies, undermined security, and eroded social cohesion’
For true cooperation with the EPP to be possible, it must embrace the successful Italian centre-right model, a coalition that prioritizes national interests, economic growth, and security over ideological games. Europe needs pragmatic policies that protect its industry, secure its borders, reform the Green Deal to stop damaging our economies, and fight unfair competition from non-EU countries.
But beyond that, it must restore the values that made Europe great: national identity, family, merit, and freedom from bureaucratic oppression. For too long, European elites have imposed ideological policies that have weakened our economies, undermined security, and eroded social cohesion. The time has come to reverse this course.
If the EPP continues to bow to socialists and radical leftists, it will lose credibility and ultimately fragment. Instead, we must push for the Italian centre-right model to be adopted across Europe, both at the national and EU level. Only in this way can the European Renaissance, ignited by Italy, be fully realized, creating a European Union that is finally free from the disastrous leftist agenda, which has caused immense harm to European citizens.
Italy is now leading the way, proving that an alternative is not only possible but essential. If other European nations follow this example, we will see the birth of a new Europe, one that prioritizes its people, its traditions, and its future. The time for compromises with failed ideologies is over. The time for a Europe of freedom, merit, and strength has begun.
You are Romanian, and you got the Italian citizenship a couple of years ago. How is the relationship of the Romanian community in Italy?
The Romanian community in Italy is the largest foreign group, with over one million residents, representing 20.8 per cent of all foreign nationals. They are also the second-largest workforce in Italy after Italians, with a strong presence in key sectors such as construction, catering, domestic assistance, and agriculture. Their contribution to the economy is vital, demonstrating how Romanians are an active and productive part of Italian society.
But the integration of the Romanian community goes beyond work: it is a model of healthy and true integration. Romanians in Italy respect the laws, contribute to the social and cultural fabric of the country, and stand out for their high number of entrepreneurs, professionals, and skilled workers. Culturally, Romanian is the second most spoken language among foreign populations, with almost 800,000 people using it daily, a clear sign of their deep-rooted and positive presence.
One of the battles I am leading is the recognition of the Romanian community as a linguistic minority, a crucial step to valuing our identity and ensuring more rights for Romanian citizens in Italy. This initiative has already turned into a bill in Parliament, which I hope will be approved soon. Recognition would not only be symbolic, but a concrete act to strengthen the ties between Italy and Romania and provide new opportunities for our community.
The relationship between Italy and Romania is historically strong, with Italy being one of Romania’s main commercial partners. In fact, Italy is the second-largest destination for Romanian exports, and Romania is one of Italy’s key trading partners, with annual trade exchanges exceeding 14 billion euros. However, there is a need for greater political representation for Romanians in Italy, so they can have a stronger voice in institutions. It is also essential to protect Romanian workers to avoid exploitation and ensure decent working conditions.
In summary, the Romanian community is an example of successful integration, of citizens who have built their future in Italy through commitment and dedication. Now it’s time for this model to be recognized and valued, especially through the approval of the bill for the recognition of Romanian as a historical minority language, a decisive step towards a more inclusive Italy that is aware of the cultural richness it hosts.
Recent events in Romania has left the country divided. Subsequent to the arrest of independent candidate Călin Georgescu, who won the first round of the presidential elections, leader of Lega Matteo Salvini had a video call with Georgescu and denounced what had happened. How do you and the Romanians from Italy see the situation?
What happened in Romania with the annulment of the presidential elections on 6 December 2024 deeply concerned me. The decision by the Constitutional Court raised huge uncertainties about the legitimacy of the electoral process, without any evidence to justify it, creating a deep sense of injustice among the Romanian people.
‘As a Romanian citizen, I feel the need to fight for a fair and transparent electoral system’
This situation undermines trust in institutions and worsens a political and economic crisis that the country can no longer afford. As a Romanian citizen, I feel the need to fight for a fair and transparent electoral system, to restore confidence among the population and guarantee a better future for Romania and Europe.
In this context, the arrest of Călin Georgescu, the independent candidate who won the first round of the presidential election, further divided the country. Matteo Salvini, leader of the Lega party, was one of the first to condemn the attacks on Georgescu, denouncing them as an attack on democracy. Salvini took a clear position alongside the Romanian people, becoming the only centre-right leader in Italy to openly defend freedom and democracy, earning the support of the Romanian community in Italy.
I have had direct contact with Salvini since before the elections in Romania, and I can confirm his ongoing commitment to Romania and the Romanian community in Italy. Together, we have worked to defend the principles of democracy and freedom, which must be upheld in every European state. Salvini’s solidarity has had a positive impact, helping to strengthen the bond between the Lega and the Romanian community. It is an honour for me to have contributed to this important work.
A special thanks also goes to General and Lega MEP Roberto Vannacci, who stood by the Romanian people. Lega and its members have strengthened the fight for freedom and human rights, gaining significant support both in Romania and among the Romanian community in Italy.
Do you think that finally the establishment will let Georgescu run and there will be real free elections?
I believe that for Romania to truly experience free and fair elections, a serious commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law is essential. The growing popular and international pressure could force the Romanian establishment to reconsider its stance. However, Romania’s recent history shows how political elites are skilled at manipulating institutions to maintain control.
If Georgescu is finally allowed to run, it will represent a significant step toward electoral transparency, but the real challenge will be ensuring that the system does not interfere. The international community, especially the European Union, has a duty to closely monitor the situation. If the Romanian political system tries to block Georgescu’s candidacy without valid reason or manipulate the outcome, it will trigger an unprecedented institutional crisis with potentially serious consequences.
The Romanian people have already shown in the past that they will not tolerate injustice: in 1989 they overthrew the communist regime, and in 2017, through a massive popular mobilization, they brought down the Social Democratic Party’s government to stop corruption and defend democratic values.
Romania is one of the countries with the most natural resources. How could Romania, with a stable and efficient government, be of help to Europe?
Romania, if governed by a responsible and serious leadership, has the potential to assume a leading strategic and political role not only regionally but also within European politics. With its vast natural resources, strategic geographical position at the heart of Europe, and rich cultural heritage, Romania could become a key reference point for the entire Eastern Europe, acting as a beacon of stability, innovation, and sustainable development.
In this context, Romania would have the opportunity to lead the transition towards a more prosperous and integrated Eastern Europe, becoming a leader in promoting economic and social policies that could be adopted by other countries in the region. This role would be particularly relevant in the European Renaissance that Italy has been actively fostering in recent years, through initiatives such as strengthening cooperation among member states, technological innovation, and economic and environmental sustainability.
‘Romania, if governed by a responsible and serious leadership, has the potential to assume a leading strategic and political role not only regionally but also within European politics’
Romania, with a government that values its potential, could significantly contribute to this process by promoting Eastern Europe’s integration into global economic circuits and fostering stronger cooperation with the European Union. Moreover, its commitment to strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and human rights could make Romania a model of progress for neighbouring countries, helping to create a network of political and strategic alliances that would benefit the entire region.
A proactive political approach by Romania, combined with a clear vision of sustainable and inclusive development, could thus transform it into one of the main protagonists of the European renewal and renaissance that Italy has initiated in recent years, fostering a united, prosperous Europe ready to meet the challenges of the future.
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