Mario Monti to Form New Government

"With respect for the positions of all involved and for the decisions that ultimately rest with Parliament" declared President Napolitano after consultations for the formation of a new government, "I trust that we all wish to give broad encouragement to Senator Monti in the task of forming a new government. He is an independent figure who has stayed outside the political ring, but at the same time brings competence and experience that have gained him notoriety and respect in Europe and in the larger international arena."

"I thank the President of the Republic for the trust he has placed in me with the charge of forming a new government, " declared Mario Monti in accepting the assignment. "I intend to comply with this task with a great sense of responsibility and service to our country. In this moment of particular difficulty for Italy, in a turbulent context for Europe and the world, this nation must bounce back and return to being an element of strength, not weakness, in the Union of which we are a founding member, and of which we should be a protagonist. "

"Our efforts will be directed at restoring the health of the financial situation, and to start growing again in a framwork of increased social equity. We owe this to our children, we must give them a concrete future of dignity and hope," continued Monti. "I prepare for this task with deepest respect for Parliament and for the political parties. I will work to valorize a shared commitment to pull out of a situation that is an emergency in some ways, but that Italy can overcome with a common effort."

"My consultations will be urgent but scrupulous. I will return to Parliament when I am in a position to remove the reservations with which I accepted this task," he concluded.