Ernesto Maria Ruffini leaves the leadership of the Revenue Agency and announces his decision in an interview with Corriere della Sera. “Yes, I have already done it. On Wednesday I saw Minister Giorgetti to warn him of the intention to remit the mandate and thus allow the smooth handover with whoever will be called to succeed me”, he explains.
But he responds with a “no” to those who ask him if he really takes the field according to the rumors that describe him as the ‘federator’ of the centre-left, “There are questions that can be answered with a yes or a no. And my answer is no. I had already denied it after the first press articles. I repeat it”.
“I don’t agree with the chatter that mistakes politics for a board game, ideas for labels and civic sense for a climb to power. I’m not going down or going up anywhere”, he continues.
The reason for the resignation? “Because it’s the only way to stay myself. I am a lawyer who for many years has written and participated in public meetings on what unites us, such as the Constitution and equality. However, I have read that talking about the common good would be an option. And therefore having to remain silent or leave office. My only compass in these years has been respect for the laws and for the mandate entrusted to me, because the deepest meaning of the State is this: being above parties, serving the common good. What has happened in recent days around my name describes a changed context compared to when I took on this role and also compared to when I agreed to stay. I draw the consequences.”
Isn’t that right? “I take note of it – Ruffini replies – But in all these years it has never happened to me”.
