A few hours from the possible and perhaps probable solution to the crisis, with the approval of the stability law in the pipeline, the encouragements to Napolitano from Obama and Sarkozy, the completion of the resignations (already announced to the head of state) of the government, and above all with the markets already trusting Monti's solution (the spread with German bonds has dropped to around 450), Silvio Berlusconi goes to the Quirinale to resign. Faced with a party that is more than ever divided, with the League that does not want to hear about what it considers a caretaker government, the resigning prime minister, and by now without a majority, has second thoughts, and threatens to propose during the consultations that the president of the Repubblica would very soon like to put forward alternative indications to those of the Bocconi professor: Angelino Alfano or Lamberto Dini, to play the card of a government which, starting from the former Lega-Pdl majority, can expand to include the UDC. But from Casini's party the answer is clear and without appeal. With Cesa who says: "Enough of games" and with Casini who has already said that it is not the composition of the new Executive that counts, but the "convinced, strong, supportive and responsible" support of the political forces. Shortly before, Napolitano, appearing optimistic, had said: "Soon there will be shared government action."
This is the situation this morning, after the PDL leaders, sometimes even open to the League, succeeded one another at a rapid pace until late at night. One wonders if we are faced with yet another delaying strategy, or the last blows in the tail of a defeated prime minister. A member of the UC, Roberto Rao, speaks of a "move of despair". What is certain is that Berlusconi has not hidden his state of mind from him. He now considers himself cut off from the choices on the composition of the new Executive. He allegedly lamented the fact that "times were even imposed on us". A way to blame especially with the markets. And it is no coincidence that last night the leader of the PDL Chamber of Deputies, Fabrizio Cicchitto, asked that the composition of the government be agreed with the parties. Those who think badly say that Berlusconi would like to agree on at least the name of the new Minister of Justice.
There is no doubt that the confused situation that has arisen within an increasingly divided PDL does not facilitate what should by now be the finishing line for the constitution of the new government. But the timing of the solution, dictated above all by the objective of having Monti already appointed by Monday (before the markets reopen) who would form the new Executive in a few hours, have so far been respected. The stability law has already received the green light from the Senate and the one from the Chamber should arrive this afternoon. Then immediately after there will be a Council of Ministers and the completion of Berlusconi's resignation. Then, finally, the protocol consultations of the President of the Republic and the assignment of the office by tomorrow afternoon.
In the middle there should also be the meeting of the PDL presidential office, which will decide what the attitude of Berlusconi's party will be, currently divided between the former ANs, to which Sacconi and Brunetta have been added, and those willing to support the government Monti, like Frattini, the Catholics Lupi and Formigoni, and probably the mayor of Rome Alemanno. It is clear that this should be the most delicate step of today. Because it is on this passage that Berlusconi's temptations to get in the way will weigh, re-proposing as a starting point what the recent vote in the Chamber has shown to be a former majority.
Some news (this time positive for Monti) instead comes from the opposition. In particular, after an appeal by Bersani in this sense, Antonio Di Pietro made a significant opening, giving the availability of Italia dei valori to support the new executive "but not sight unseen". It should be a question of a short-lived executive, which takes urgent measures for Europe, the new electoral law and then takes the country to the polls.
Finally, the composition of the new Government. Monti has two paths ahead of him: the first is that of a government without politicians, which would come to underline that external support (albeit strong, convinced and supportive, as Casini says) would come from all the political forces that will support him. The other is that of a mix of technical and political ministers. On the choice of which, however, Monti is determined to make use of the prerogatives of article 92 of the Constitution, which leave any indication in this regard to the Prime Minister alone. And which therefore does not provide for any consultation with the parties. As for the names, it is assumed (if the PDL also gives the go-ahead) Gianni Letta as Deputy Prime Minister, Amato at Foreign Affairs, Saccomanni at Economy, Ichino at Welfare, Veronesi at Healthcare.
