April 30, 2008

Give to Prodi what is Prodi's

Though I have never been too soft with him, I think it’s important to give praise where praise is due, and not just because he is about to leave politics.

Vladimir Putin personally tried to tap the outgoing Italian Prime Minister to become chairman of South Stream, a new pipeline project by Russian gas monopolist Gazprom to link Russia to Europe. Mr. Prodi was "flattered" by the offer, his spokesman said, but won't be available.
[...]
Mr. Prodi leaves politics, for good he says, with his dignity apparently beyond the reach of the Kremlin's wallet.