ROME — Giuseppe Civati, known as Pippo, is an Italian Democratic Party politician. He was born in 1975 and he was a regional councillor for Lombardy from 2005 to 2013. He is one of the first Italian politicians to writea blog http://www.ciwati.it. Together with Matteo Renzi (the mayor of Florence and an important member of Democratic party), Civati promoted an event entitled “Next stop: Italy”, held in 2010 at Florence’s Leopolda Station and described by the press as “the demolishers’ meeting”. Later on, however, he distanced himself from Matteo Renzi’s policies and in recent months has become the reference point for some Democrats because he has proved to be coherent, a rare quality in current Italian politics. Civati has expressed criticism within the party and did not attend the vote of confidence for the current coalition government. He lives between Rome and Milan. He has a daughter and her name is Nina.
BLAST: What do you think of Barack Obama? Do you think there are positive elements we could “import” to Italy such as, for example, the electoral campaign?
GIUSEPPE CIVATI: I am a fan of Obama but I think that every country has its own policies and its own history. The most interesting thing about Obama, in my opinion, and one that should be taken as an example to be followed, involves the manner in which he sets out rights, equality and competitiveness in a more regulated market.
BLAST: In your opinion how can one ensure the PD (Italian Democratic party) returns to win and persuade citizens?
GC: One will have to recreate left-wing ideas, always with a winning perspective and not by just being members of the opposition. This may seem obvious, but it is not. The PD must rediscover a relationship with its voters because the party has become withdrawn and has too often changed its mind. I am certain that there is a need to change the current electoral law and we need to make this clear.
BLAST: What do you think of Matteo Renzi?
GC: He is a good interlocutor and I respect him, but he needs to clarify his ideas at a political level. Perhaps one day we will run against each other? Who knows…
BLAST: Do you believe Italy lacks strong reference figures?
GC: Yes, I think that one of the problems is that we are “orphans” with no strong reference figures. Unfortunately, at times, many Italians like shrewd people who often change their minds. I believe there are a lack of coherent personalities and I think we are in need of cultural renewal.
BLAST: What do you think of the former Minister Fabrizio Barca as a new representative of the Democratic Party?
GC: I respect him. We are working together, albeit at a distance, on a common project and spoke just last Saturday.
BLAST: What do you think of the protests in Turkey?
I think that the generation that has taken to the streets will play a leading role in the country. And I would like to add that one should analyse in depth what is taking place throughout the Mediterranean area, which is perhaps all too often not considered a priority.
At the end of the interview we asked him what is his favorite dish and he said “all the traditional Italian cuisine”.