Italy’s Minister of Transport, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini believes that a rapid transition to exclusively electric engines for cars sold in the European Union will be “suicide” and a “gift” offered to Chinese industry.

“We all care about water, air quality and a cleaner environment, but that doesn’t mean we have to lay off millions of workers and close thousands of businesses,” said Matteo Salvini, leader of the right-wing League party. This was reported by the Reuters and Agerpres agencies on Thursday.

“We need more time and economic contributions to help those who want to change their cars,” the Italian politician added.

The European Parliament approved a bill on Tuesday that would ban the sale of new diesel and gasoline cars in EU countries from 2035, with the aim of accelerating the transition to electric vehicles to combat climate change. The legislation needs only the approval of the Council of the EU, respectively, of the member states.