Italy may speed up the sale of its interest in Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank, according to deputy prime minister Antonio Tajani.

The state should not become a banker and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti should decide how to sell the Tuscan lender stake.

The proposal is expected to be made “in the short term.” Italy’s Treasury is open to selling its MPS ownership to reduce its stake without hindering its search for strategic partners.