From our correspondent in Rome, following the results of the constitutional referendum on March 22 and 23, the President of the Council, leader of Fratelli d’Italia, Georgia Meloni, demanded the resignation of two senior officials from the Ministry of Justice, Andrea Delmastro and Giusi Bartolozzi, and then that of the Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanché, who initially refused to give up.
Purge Operation These three individuals are involved in various judicial investigations but were protected by the parliamentary majority until the end of the vote, which the voters did not appreciate. Most voters, including many young people, wanted to defend the Constitution and express their dissent towards the government. The Prime Minister thus rid herself of the most undesirable elements within her executive.
Giorgia Meloni, who is acting as Minister of Tourism, has likely completed her list of black sheep. However, the post-referendum shock also led to the resignation of the Forza Italia group leader in the Senate, Maurizio Gasparri. He is replaced by Stefania Craxi, daughter of former Prime Minister Bettino Craxi, who was a close friend of Silvio Berlusconi. This choice was imposed by the Berlusconi family, which finances Forza Italia. Within this party, as well as Fratelli d’Italia and the League, the atmosphere remains tense, indicating a fragile unity.
Early Elections: An Option? Between the war in the Middle East, the energy crisis, and the risk of soaring inflation in Italy, the road ahead will be difficult. In the halls of Parliament, there are speculations about whether Georgia Meloni might consider early elections. However, new polls on voting intentions suggest that, although remaining at the top of all parties, Fratelli d’Italia is the party experiencing the most decline. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is solidifying its position as the leading opposition force.
Giorgia Meloni, engaging in talks with her allies, seems to be leaning towards another plan: engaging in a more constructive dialogue with the opposition for a new electoral law, reconnecting with the business world unhappy with certain tax credit reductions, and pursuing goals dear to the radical right, such as the fight against migrants.
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