Milan, 25 May (LaPresse) – ‘We must adhere to the rules we have in place regarding the budget, debt and deficit, and we must operate within these rules.’ This was stated by ECB President Christine Lagarde, a guest on Fabio Fazio’s programme *Che Tempo Che Fa* on Nove, in response to a question about Italy’s request for an exemption from the Stability Pact to cope with the energy crisis. ‘I believe it is important, first and foremost, for us all to act together as Europeans rather than seeking different paths. Our enemies would be delighted to see fragmentation,’ added Lagarde, ‘if the rules apply across the whole of Europe and if the rules are followed correctly, the markets will automatically respond positively.’