“We must be the cornerstone upon which the Italian political system rests, a cornerstone with values and foundations,” said Tajani.
Tajani was elected FI’s caretaker secretary by its national council in Rome on Saturday in its first meeting since Berlusconi’s passing.
“(We must be) a strong alternative to the left and the essence of the centre right,” he continued.
“Without that stone, the centre right would not exist, there would only be the right and the far right.
“This is the political role we must play between now and the next European elections.”
FI’s main coalition allies, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (FdI) and Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini’s League, are both right-wing parties.
On Saturday Tajani pledged that he would work to make Berlusconi’s vision become reality.
“It is not easy to lead a political movement that has had Silvio Berlusconi as its leader for almost 30 years,” said Tajani.
“I can only guarantee my commitment, determination and will to turn all his dreams into reality.
“To do this I will need all of you, all our politicians, our elected representatives, our sympathisers and our activists.
“Leading Forza Italia is a very complicated undertaking because there will never be anyone like him.
“But now, all together, we must honour what he did and not waste the legacy he has left us.
“It is like a great inheritance that we have.
“Woe betide the children that waste the inheritance from their father.”
ANSA
