In driving, the four-handed is considered the most difficult of the driving techniques. Paired shooting the four steeds bring to mind the unbridled race of Ben Hur in the Circus Maximus. But the race for the presidency of Confindustria and that of its four suitors cannot become like this in a very delicate phase for the organization and equally delicate for the country's political and government prospects.
Giorgio Squinzi's wish for manufacturing candidates seems to have come true. From mechatronics (Alberto Vacchi) to automotive mechanics (Marco Bonometti), from the graphic industries (Vincenzo Boccia) to those of a niche manufacturing but of absolute excellence of Made in Italy (Aurelio Regina) we are in the wake indicated by the outgoing president. Yet the confrontation between the four started off on the wrong foot which risks complicating the delicate procedural path of the Wise Men and, finally, undermining even more the authority of Confindustria itself.
The poisons sown in the press and in the newsrooms as well as the Gonzaga winks (read poison) of the Mantuan dinners show that the mercenaries on duty, the professionals of the "stop and the distinctions" as spokesmen, real or presumed, of this or that president of the past.
Thus the one billion turnover of Alberto Vacchi's IMA, conquered on all world markets, takes second place in the Confindustria gossip compared to the youthful swim of Marco Bonometti whose performance is described by a complacent press office as that of Mao in the Yangtze . The Tuscan cigars that have marked the history of Italian costume give way to an Aurelio Regina dismissed as "Roman": a definition that says it all. And Vincenzo Boccia becomes one of many printers.
The comparison should be higher and the observers should look at the real facts and news of the alignments that are emerging. Entrepreneurial Lombardy which represents the reference partner of Confindustria has never pronounced itself on Marco Bonometti, isolating him and weakening Brescia's candidacy. The industrialists from Bergamo established solid financial links with the neighboring territories (the Pact of the Thousand to govern the UBI) and structural links (in the airport infrastructures) with the Milanese, ignoring their cousins from Brescia.
The Venetians, for their part, have already defeated the ambitions and pretensions of Brescia at the Fair and at the Montichiari airport, embodied in asphyxiated companies where the presence of the industrial association was preeminent. From Piedmont nothing is known for certain. Sergio Marchionne (who does not vote) is pulled by the jacket: he who wears only sweaters. Even Antonio D'Amato now referred to as the main sponsor of Marco Bonometti does not hide the desire to be rewarded with the presidency of the Sole 24 Ore as well as Emma Marcegaglia who, at the moment, spends her sympathy for Vincenzo Boccia.
For now we are on the slippery slope of gossip and rumors. The round of confessions and surveys of the three Sages will be important, as well as the presentation of programs that cannot be played on the usual "renewal, efficiency and savings" but will have to delve into the merits of the most delicate issues such as Luiss, Il Sole 24 ore, his accounts in the red, relationships and prospects of marriage with the Corriere.
Only the programmatic notes and the undivided indication of a dry top team will be able to restore substance to the presidential race. Or, as recalled by a past-president who calls himself out of the sporting cheer of these days "we will all have to roll up our sleeves together and ask Gianfelice Rocca to lead the Confindustria of change".
