An "interlocutory" meeting, in which "each remained in his position". Thus parliamentary and Palazzo Chigi sources comment on this morning's meeting between the prime minister, Enrico Letta, and the secretary of the Democratic Party, Matteo Renzi. There was therefore no rapprochement: the tug-of-war between the two leaders continues, less than 24 hours from the direction of the Democratic Party (earlier than the meeting of February 20) which will force a showdown.
After the conversation with Renzi, Letta confirmed that he will hold a press conference during the afternoon, during which the coalition pact announced yesterday will probably be presented. The new program aims to relaunch the Government's action, prolonging the life of the current Executive at least until the end of Italy's presidency of the EU (July-December 2014). At the moment, therefore, the Premier has no intention of stepping aside. And some rumors speak of his rather harsh reaction to the pressure from the Renzians: "They have to distrust me", the Prime Minister allegedly said.
As for Renzi, at the end of the meeting at Palazzo Chigi he went to the Nazarene without making any statements. For some hours, however, a list of the most popular names has been circulating for a possible government led by the mayor of Florence. The hottest seat is undoubtedly that of the Ministry of Economy: Lorenzo Bini Smaghi (already on the board of the ECB), Piercarlo Padoan (former chief economist of the OECD and new president of Istat), would be running to replace Fabrizio Saccomanni. Fabrizio Barca (minister for territorial cohesion in the Monti government) and Andrea Guerra (owner of Luxottica).
As for the other dicasteries, Graziano Delrio (current Minister for Regional Affairs and Sport) is assigned to the Interior; Tito Boeri, Guglielmo Epifani or Marianna Madia at work; Maria Elena Boschi at the Reforms; Alessandro Baricco at Culture; Michele Vietti to Justice; Federica Mogherini or Roberta Pinotti at the Defence; Oscar Farinetti to Agriculture; Michele Emiliano to Infrastructures; Maurizio Martina for Economic Development; Roberto Giachetti in Relations with Parliament. Finally, Emma Bonino, Beatrice Lorenzin and Andrea Orlando could be confirmed respectively for Foreign Affairs, Health and the Environment.
In terms of numbers, it is not excluded that Renzi can count on a larger majority than the one currently supported by the Letta government. The secretary could also obtain the trust of some defectors from the 5 Star Movement and Sel.
