Politics wins over morals

Lluis Foix, former editor in chief of the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, comments on a diplomatic dispute between Spain and Italy: "The Spanish Vice President, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, attacked xenophobic violence ... condoned by Berlusconi's government. Her statements do not seem fitting to me however." Foix nevertheless regrets that Ms. Fernández de la Vega toned down her criticism just a few hours later: "Once again realpolitik has ... won out over morals. ... The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 founded national sovereignty. Its purpose was to put an end to war, but wars have not stopped since then. Looking at Italy and immigration ... one should never forget that first and foremost the persons concerned must be recognised and treated as such, wherever they come from, whatever they think, and whatever their residency status may be. If Europe loses these principles, it will take a big step backwards."

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