The president of the republic Giorgio Napolitano resigned a few minutes ago. The Head of State has signed the letter in which he leaves office after 9 years and the flag on the Quirinal tower has flown at half-mast. Now the constitutional procedure for the election of the new president has begun.
"He will be a wise referee," said Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who will be responsible for proposing the first names. It will be the president of the Senate Pietro Grasso who will hold the pro tempore position, while the president of the Chamber Laura Boldrini will now have to convene the plenary session of Parliament. The dates scheduled for the first votes are January 29 and 30.
For his part, Napolitano is leaving with a call for the unity of the country and does not hide his relief: "I'm happy to go home," he said yesterday. In the Monti district of Rome, where he lives with his wife Clio, there is great expectation for his return. The area has already been cordoned off for security reasons.
Meanwhile, the match to elect Napolitano's successor has already begun and Walter Veltroni's prices seem to have risen in the last few hours. But there is not only the former mayor of Rome among the names in sight. The list of eligible candidates also includes, among others, Sergio Mattarella, Paolo Gentiloni and Piero Fassino.
