The encore maneuver that should save Italy for the moment only saves Casta. And she does it quietly, without too much fanfare. Yesterday all the spotlights were on the confidence vote of the Senate, which with 165 in favour, 141 against and three abstentions gave the go-ahead to the last maxi-amendment hastily drafted by the majority. Now the text passes to the Chamber, which should convert the mid-August decree into law within the week. In recent hours there has been a lot of talk about the latest changes that have obtained the consent of Europe and (at least for the moment) of the markets: the increase in VAT, the mini solidarity contribution for the rich, the acceleration on adjustment of the retirement age for women in the private sector.
This is the glamorous part of the new manoeuvre. But, on closer inspection, the real surprises are hidden elsewhere. Among the folds of the obscure "article 13", the one that should reduce the opulent life of ministers, deputies and senators. Comparing the latest version of the article with the now ancient original draft, it turns out that the tenants of the House and Senate have considerably reduced their share of sacrifices. Even the rule that sanctioned the incompatibility of their role with other public offices has been watered down. If previously parliamentarians had been prohibited from holding any other public office, now the ban is limited to elected offices "of a monocratic nature" and relating to "government bodies of territorial public bodies with a population of more than 5 thousand inhabitants". Save the seats in the council and in the town halls. After all, a double salary is always convenient.
In detail, the cut to the salaries and allowances of the "members of the constitutional bodies" - as established at the beginning of August - will be 10% on the part exceeding 90 thousand euros of income and 20% on the portion over 150 thousand. Exactly double the solidarity contribution first way, the one designed for mere mortals. At the time we wanted to give a strong signal of seriousness and participation in the country's crisis, but who knows if we didn't already glimpse the loophole of the amendment. Yes, because initially the supertax on politicians' salaries was conceived as a structural measure, to be perpetuated for ever and ever. But thanks to the armored changes approved yesterday at Palazzo Madama, it will only apply between now and 2013. That's not enough. The indemnities for tenure will no longer be cut by 50%, but by 20% and only for the portion that exceeds 90 euros. Over 150 thousand the reduction will be 40%. A nice discount.
The Government then chose to exclude the Presidency of the Republic and the Constitutional Court from the burden. This detail caused the Northern League deputy minister Roberto Castelli to lose his lucidity, who yesterday thundered with a censorious tone against the "Roman boyars". Without getting upset too much, the Quirinale pointed out that the protests have no reason to exist. In fact, the norm was written by the majority.
