国际英语资讯:News Analysis: Italy still needs reforms despite EUs Junckers optimism: analysts_时事

国际英语资讯:News Analysis: Italy still needs reforms despite EUs Junckers optimism: analysts

ROME, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Although European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday voiced his confidence towards the Italian government, saying the country was "heading in the right direction," analysts here believe reforms are still necessary for the country after years of economic malaise.

Juncker's remarks came just four months after the defeat of a national referendum on a constitutional reform championed by former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi. The defeat also forced the stepdown of Renzi and bolstered euro-skeptic forces in the country.

But in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica on Wednesday, Juncker said there was no fear that Italy may head towards economic trouble or it may vote to leave the 19-nation euro zone as some Italian euro-skeptic groups are calling for.

"The commitment of the Italian government is going in the right direction," Juncker said. "In the meantime, let me clearly rule out the possibility that Italy will leave the euro."

Juncker also supported the efforts of the government of Paolo Gentiloni, the former foreign minister who took over as head of government after Renzi resigned, to tackle banking sector problems. Juncker predicted Italian banks would emerge from the crisis "stronger and more robust."

Economists, who spoke to Xinhua, say although they do not think Juncker's optimism for Italy was misplaced, the country still has a lot of work to do.