Tajani's mess in Parliament: "We will use the Safe fund for the purchase of weapons, you asked for 14.9 billion" But after half an hour he denies Video

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani faced a political misstep during a parliamentary hearing, initially declaring support for using the European Union’s Safe fund to purchase arms with €14.9 billion requested, only to later backtrack. The confusion unfolded before the joint Defense committees of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate, where Tajani responded to a question from Piero Fassino, stating that the decision had been made to utilize Safe funds. He added that the proposal would be formalized, and the Ministry of Defense would determine how to allocate the funds in the following year. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly clarified the situation, issuing a statement at the end of the session. It stated that while €14.9 billion had been "prenoted," the government would decide by year-end whether to proceed with the request. This clarification served to indicate that the final decision had not yet been taken, effectively distancing the ministry from confirming the initial declaration. Sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this move was intended to clarify that the political decision remained pending. Guido Crosetto, the Minister of Defense, had earlier remarked that the use of Safe was a technical choice rather than a political one. He explained that Safe functions as an alternative to treasury bills, allowing for more flexible military spending without increasing the overall budget. According to Crosetto, the decision on how to deploy the funds would rest with Tajani, who would then inform the defense ministry of his choices. The minister further noted that the actual allocation would depend on the decisions made regarding the broader defense budget. Political tensions remain high over the issue, particularly concerning the prioritization of military spending versus other national priorities. Opposition leaders have criticized the government for its perceived lack of transparency and responsibility. Matteo Renzi, leader of Italy Viva, accused the government of avoiding accountability by failing to clearly communicate its commitment to purchasing weapons, despite the rising cost of fuel. Renzi also highlighted the inconsistency in the government's approach, noting that while the use of Safe funds was announced, the subsequent clarification suggested a lack of clarity and resolve. Renzi took to social media to underscore his concerns, criticizing Tajani for making the initial announcement and then retracting it just hours later. He questioned the credibility of the foreign minister, suggesting that the government might be attempting to avoid taking a firm stance on the issue. His comments reflect a growing frustration among opposition figures, who argue that the government should provide clearer direction on its defense priorities. As the debate continues, the government faces pressure to demonstrate greater consistency and transparency in its handling of military funding. With the possibility of a vote on defense spending in September, the outcome of these discussions could influence future policy decisions. For now, the situation remains unresolved, with the government maintaining that the final decision has not yet been made. The political landscape appears poised for further developments as the discussion unfolds.