'Renzi's Europe becoming a monster' says Farage

'Taking away people's self-determination'

(ANSA) - Brussels, June 2 - Nigel Farage of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) said Italian Premier Matteo Renzi was "just like the rest" who want to "create the United States of Europe as soon as possible". Speaking to ANSA, Farage said "Europe is in the hands of the European establishment" and it's becoming a monster. I fear Renzi is a part of this process". Farage, who after winning EP elections last week is mulling an alliance with Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, went on to defend accusations of racism within his party. "UKIP is neither racist nor sectarian," said Farage, claiming to be the victim of "a witch hunt" after his party's success.

As proof he pointed to the fact that UKIP's constituents recently elected a Muslim businessman, an openly gay man and a seven women. As to why he might side with Grillo, who came in second behind Renzi's Democratic Party in Italy's European elections, Farage said it was to oppose a Europe working against its own people. "What Europe and the national governments are doing is taking away the people's ability to determine their own future," he said.