More interesting twists and turns in the Italian political crisis

New Europe spoke to former Forza Italia senator Andrea Causin about his decision to back the political majority in favor of a so-called third Conte government. Causin was appointed this week deputy chief news officer Europeanists-Maie-Democratic Center political group in the Italian Senate.

Raffaele Fantetti is at the head of this group of 10 senators, a new political project which openly embraces the values ​​of the European Union. On January 29, Italian President Sergio Mattarella completed his first round of consultations with political forces to find a concrete outcome to the current political crisis.

New Europe (NE): Did you and Senator Mariarosaria Rossi leave Forza Italia to support Prime Minister Conte’s political majority? How did it happen?

Andrea Causen (AC): Senator Rossi and I delivered a message after a clear allegation of the situation in our country from President Sergio Mattarella. Then there was another petition to the Senate from Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. His appeal is full of political elements for the future, such as his proposal for a new proportional electoral law and the need in the Italian political arena for new political groups with a clear pro-European agenda. I think with our vote of support we have given an important indication.

BORN: You recently said that other Forza Italia members might join you in this direction, do you have any other thoughts on that?

CALIFORNIA: I know that many senators from Forza Italia have the same political feeling as I do. They also believe that a populist political message is not a good recipe for Italy. At the same time, these members believe it is deadly to open an institutional crisis during the worst period of the pandemic, alongside a major economic and health emergency. With that in mind, it’s just a decision that needs to be made in order to act, but that moment has passed. Now it would be strange to switch sides and it would be difficult to explain it to the public, I am not pessimistic, I tried to be realistic. I think what should have happened already happened with the Senate vote on January 26th. If there can be a last minute change, that’s welcome and we’re always open.

BORN: Based on conversations he has with other MPs, where could Conte “get” the votes he needed to win a new majority in the Senate?

CALIFORNIA: These votes could only come from moderate center-right political forces or from a new path taken by a member of Italia Viva who could return to the Democratic Party. In any case, I am pessimistic. The perfect time is probably over for this kind of scenario and maybe we should find another way. Maybe new elections. It would be a tragedy, but if the dialogue ends, there is no alternative for President Mattarella. To have a third Conte government, it is necessary to redefine the roles and relations between the parties concerned. It is neither negative nor impossible. Elections are also not a good way because I can imagine the main themes of an election campaign: blaming the victims during the pandemic or the criticism of the closures. It could also be a campaign of truce speculating on the victims, but it would be terrible for the victims. A third Conte government could be the time to strengthen the political program and increase the majority. We need the best resources to manage this crisis. Now is not the time to be passive in a political office. In the Democratic Party, in particular, there are many experienced people, who until now have remained in the shadows. This could be a great contribution to the government team.

BORN: How did you join the political majority? Who were you in contact with to make this decision?

CALIFORNIA: It was a very complex process. I was an executive of the Christian associations of Italian workers (Christian associations of Italian workers, ACLI) during 10 years in Rome and because I have been in politics for many years, I meet many high level political figures from different parties who have allowed me to get an idea of ​​the political and institutional situation. For me, the beginning was President Mattarella’s message in On December 31, where he expressed concern over dangerous political instability. Then I was also concerned about a populist drift in the center-right promoted by Hermanos de Italia (Brothers of Italy), one has to imagine here what would have happened if (Matteo) Salvini and (Giorgia) Meloni were part of the government. This government has approved 100,000 million euros in measures authorized by the EU. Then, we obtained significant financial resources thanks to the recovery plan. With Prime Minister Conte, we discussed issues such as the urban regeneration of the suburbs and the super ecological bonus of € 20,000 million at 110% which I consider an extraordinary tool to revive the economy. It’s 110% ecobonus, o Renewal bonus of 110%, i.e. a tax deduction of 110% of expenses incurred for energy efficiency and reduction of the seismic risk in Italy.

BORN: There were rumors that some of the support for PM Conte came from Forza Italy. Do you think it was true??

CALIFORNIA: No, I don’t think so.

BORN: Do you think it is possible that a new political party will be created and led by Prime Minister Conte?

CALIFORNIA: PM Conte is very popular in a positive way. Sometimes it is the driving force behind the start of a political adventure. Of course, there could be the birth of a new party in the center or in the center, politically speaking. I think at the moment it’s premature to talk about it. We will have to see what happens in the event of new elections.

BORN: Do you think Italia Viva or other political actors could make a 180 degree turn to reconfirm the previous majority?

CALIFORNIA: Politics is the art of the possible. It makes sense to think about it. In the past we’ve seen some amazing surprises and alliances so never say never. Anyone can change their mind and sometimes it is better to lose face and save the country than to be consistent and bring it to the brink of disaster.

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