«Initially I was very much in favor of leaving Mario Draghi where he is, but then the political context changed, he, let's say, got nervous, and now I too think it wouldn't hurt either to take him to the Quirinale for seven years, with an interpretation of the role but more dynamic than its predecessors». Claudius Martelli, socialist leader with long political experience (he entered Parliament for the first time in 1979), former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, comments with FIRSTonline on the imminent election of the President of the Republic, recalling the real danger that revolves around the name of the current premier: «The important thing is not to end up like Buridano's donkeys and that is to remain without Draghi either at Colle or at Chigi. It would be a curse."
This quirinal session is particularly important between the pandemic, the Pnrr and the last year of the legislature. Everything still revolves around Mario Draghi: where would you see him best?
"Initially in Chigi, but now like many I believe that Colle's hypothesis also has good arguments, if we really go towards a de facto semi-presidentialism, as it seems".
But replacing Draghi as prime minister would be (or will be) very difficult.
«The real game is in fact finding two names: one for the Quirinale and one for the presidency of the Council. This should in theory facilitate the agreement between the political forces, which could in some way divide the two offices. The problem, however, is that Draghi should occupy one of those posts, but he is above the parties; therefore, his name is not a victory for anyone, no one could own it and grant the other party the other name ».
If Draghi were to eventually become President of the Republic, who would you see well to replace him at Palazzo Chigi?
«I don't think the parties would accept another "technical" premier, if we want to call him that. The political names would be those of Renato Brunetta by seniority, or Giorgetti, even if now it seems he wants to run for the Lombardy Region, which will go to the vote in 2023. Unfortunately, the real problem lurks in the original disorder of the Constitution, which is so precious but too vague in defining the powers of the state and their relationships. Electing the Head of State is a conclave procedure for electing the Pope, it does not suit a modern democracy. Unfortunately, it must be said that in this case the Constitution is a hindrance and attempts to reform it have been useless».
What do you think of Mario Draghi's famous Christmas press conference, which marked a watershed in the match for the Quirinale?
«He wanted to take stock of the year of government, but he actually made a mistake. Especially when he considers the government's mission accomplished: it's not true that all the reforms have been made or planned; on the contrary, the economic situation would require further urgent interventions to deal with inflation, the increase in the prices of raw materials and the cost of energy. Healthcare is also not fully strengthened as it should be. The projects don't seem to have landed yet".
If, on the other hand, Draghi were to stay in Chigi, do you think it would be appropriate to change the majority or enter into a new pact, as also requested by the secretary of the Democratic Party Enrico Letta?
«I don't think changing it, I don't think it's a hypothesis on the table. Instead, an agenda for the last 14-15 months should certainly be defined, with a new pact between the parties to keep the government on its feet. Will they be able to do it? Maybe something has changed recently, it seems to me that leaders like Salvini, Conte and Di Maio are more responsible and even the Pd itself gives the impression of being less dependent on the 5 Stars. I see an improvement in this sense».
Let's go back to the vote for the Quirinale. Now that Berlusconi has withdrawn his candidacy, what would be a centre-right name that the centre-left could also vote for?
«A more balanced and authoritative profile, if we want to consider him center-right, is in my opinion that of Marta Cartabia. But there are also interesting names in the centre-left area, such as Finocchiaro and Bonino».
The center-left, however, remains at the window: for now, it hasn't made any names.
"It's prudent, because, as you know, names made in advance are burned."
What if an outsider wins in the end? It seems Pierferdinando Casini is climbing.
«I personally like Casini, but that doesn't count for much. His is a moderate profile, with a past as an independent ally of Berlusconi and a present in the Democratic Party. Less plausible is Letizia Moratti, who in my opinion has a more polemical profile».
