Four days before the start of the voting, some elements of clarity are beginning to appear on the horizon of the Quirinale, but there is no shortage of unknowns and knots to untie. The interview given to "Corriere della Sera" by Matteo Renzi on 17 January and those released the following day by Matteo Salvini signaled a clear weakening of the Berlusconi hypothesis, already problematic at the origin.
This does not exclude the possibility that, as in these hours, we are passing from pre-tactical to effective play, the elderly leader of Forza Italia can still make his weight count, especially in the right-wing area, but he certainly puts the dynamics of the complicated political match that begins next Monday. And some significant signals could emerge from the new confrontation, scheduled for this evening, by the leaders of this alignment.
A contribution to clarity could paradoxically derive - cunning of reason - also from the story of the parliamentarians and regional delegates who test positive for the virus; although it was largely foreseeable, it was dealt with by the Presidency of the Chamber late and with an uncertain hand and took on the aspect of an unpleasant puzzle.
But, beyond the choice of merit that will still have to be made, it emerged that this condition will concern about fifty Electors: a number large enough to translate into another topic to narrow the choice to only personality capable of garnering extended consent. In fact, someone elected with a large suffrage would empty the positive question of weight and nip in the bud any controversies or, worse, disputes which certainly do not feel the need.
On the other hand, it is now unfortunately clear that 2022 will be a very difficult year. Increasingly disturbing international tensions are adding to the devastating combination of the pandemic and the race for inflation, while, in Europe, the need to face new rules for public finance and debt management is pressing. All burning issues, on which Italy will inevitably have to make precise choices, to which, internally, other equally demanding ones are added. A judicial system hit by unusual controversies; an impressive Recovery and Resilience Plan set but to be implemented; the spread going up. To name just a few.
Citizens show that they perceive the harshness of such a context: a SWG survey (January 16) shows that the percentage of those who consider the economic situation to be worsening, although lower than that of a year ago, is rapidly growing. Will the political class be able to elect a President of the Republic who has that high degree of authority which is indispensable in such a situation? This requirement also arises from an outcome of the net vote and, hopefully, achieved quickly. It is a goal that would have been achievable through the confirmation of a Head of State who is the recipient of growing and widespread trust, like the current one.
The open denial expressed by Sergio Mattarella towards such a perspective will probably be respected, barring second thoughts which would be entirely understandable in the current situation. If, therefore, it is decided to identify a different personality, one can hope that the field will be narrowed down to a few eligible candidates, among whom - as yesterday's "New York Times" also recalled - should be placed in the foreground Mario Draghi. Such a choice would not be without contraindications because, by extension, it would pay off the future of government is uncertain and difficult to identify who to call to preside over it. However, from a medium-term perspective, it would have the significant advantage of anchoring Italy to very precise basic choices (the West, Europe, trust in the values of the Republic).
These are addresses which, of course, are shared by numerous other personalities. Draghi, however, firmly inspired by this line, for almost a year now, the action of the Executive has shown that bringing back to unity, in the national interest, the thrust of different and often hostile forces is a feat labor intensive but achievable. With results, it should be added, taken as a whole - albeit with some limitations - that are positive. It therefore expresses an added value that, even in a more senior institutional position, it could make available to the country. And that it would be, today more than ever, wrong to underestimate.