The secret ballot was not enough to save Alfonso Papa from prison. In the end, the Chamber gave the go-ahead for the pre-trial detention order for the PDL deputy: 319 yes and 293 no, this is the result of the vote. The arrest request was made by the Naples Public Prosecutor's Office as part of the P4 investigation. The charges are of extortion, aiding and abetting and disclosure of official secrecy.
Another hard blow for the Government, which this morning had already shown signs of confusion by having the House beat twice on the waste decree. It remains to be understood how the Pope case will affect relations between the PDL and the League, which "was consistent and voted in favour", as explained by Interior Minister Robero Maroni. The most astonished in the face of today's result seemed to be Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
