Napolitano calls for industrial policy and minister
'Serious policy within European framework,' he says
02 September, 16:01
(ANSA) - Mestre, September 2 - Italian President Giorgio
Napolitano on Thursday called on the government to frame a new
industrial policy and fill the four-month vacancy at the
industry ministry.Speaking in the northern city of Mestre, the president said Italy needed "a serious industrial policy within a European framework".
"We need this for employment and for the young people who are our main cause for concern," Napolitano added.
One in four of Italy's young people is out of work, according to figures released this week.
"I'm convinced of the things I have said; we have to put our heads together. Italy wants to have industry and an industrial policy".
"And we still have a vacancy that needs to be filled".
The industry minister's post has been empty since Claudio Scajola resigned over a property scandal in May.
Premier Silvio Berlusconi has been filling in.
Thursday's call was Napolitano's second in two days for the government to do more for the economy.
On Wednesday he urged politicians to stop bickering and focus on economic problems.
