ROME – The new Minister for Economic Development Luigi Di Maio, political leader of the winner Five Stars Movement, met on Monday in the large entrance hall of the Ministry in Via Veneto in Rome with most of the employees of his new assignment.

 In front of the striking window of Mario Sironi, called “Carta del Lavoro” (Labour Chart), one of the greatest ever made by the master, who has decorated the staircase of honour since 1927, Sironi said that it will be a pleasure to work together and to get to know as many people as possible: “There are many expectations and after 85 days we start.”

 Citing the necessary route to win the confidence of Parliament, Di Maio said he understood many of the ministry’s potentials, having observed many issues of competence while in opposition, and therefore declared he carries great expectations for the work he envisages doing both in the Ministry of Economic Development and in that of Labour.

 He said he is aware of the difficulties he will have in tackling the specific dossiers on the table, but, with the help of the staff, he hopes to contribute, for his part, to the path of change in Italy in sectors such as energy, communications, various industrial crises.

 He reiterated his interest in uniting, from a political point of view, matters inherent to the entrepreneurs and workers, and he will evaluate whether or not to merge the two ministries.

 Di Maio praised the professionalism of the ministry personnel, now hoping to continue the relationships he had when he was in the opposition; those he knew in the ministry he always found “kind and human” and, he added “kind and humble people will change the world.”

 Great applauses then greeted the new young Minister, 31, who positively impressed with his direct and informal approach and his friendliness. He concluded by declaring that he wanted to convey his enthusiasm for this new challenge in a healthy way and not with partisan objectives.

 He mentioned that he started with two mistreated categories: rider workers delivering goods on the basis of an app, and an exponent of small businessmen, Bramini, whose story was recently in the Italian media, oppressed by a State that should be more caring of its citizens.