Political Tensions Rise in Italy Over Proposed Reforms
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the secretary of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, are once again at odds over a proposed reform. This time, it’s the differentiated autonomy reform, backed by the League and the centre-right majority, that’s causing controversy and opposition, particularly from the Democratic Party.
The Campanian governor, Vincenzo De Luca, has also entered the fray. After protesting in the streets of Rome, he launched a scathing attack on the prime minister, telling her to “go to work.”
Accusations of Dividing the Country
Elly Schlein and the Democratic Party accuse the prime minister of attempting to split Italy. In an interview with Repubblica, Schlein said, “We have never seen a patriot who splits Italy. Calderoli’s reform, which is supported by Meloni’s party, is destined to tear apart a country that instead desperately needs to be mended in its fractures and inequalities.”
The Democratic Party believes that the differentiated autonomy and premiership reforms are part of an unholy pact between the self-proclaimed patriots of the new millennium and the Northern League, known for its secessionist aspirations. Schlein argues that the country can’t be saved without also saving the South.
Criticism of Government Policies
Schlein criticizes the government for its anti-Southernist policies, which she believes have hurt the South. She points to the abolition of the Citizen’s Income and the blocking of development and cohesion funds as examples of this. She also disputes the right’s claim that the premiership reform will allow citizens to choose their government, calling it a scam.
Prime Minister Meloni’s Response
Prime Minister Meloni responds to the accusations from the southern region of Calabria. She says, “To those who accuse me of dividing Italy, I would like to say that Italy was divided by those who believed that there were citizens of series A and series B.” She also defends the citizen’s income, saying it was a response to those who considered these territories irrecoverable.
Meloni Responds to De Luca
Meloni also addresses Vincenzo De Luca, who is in Rome to take part in a protest event. She says, “If instead of holding demonstrations we started working, perhaps we could obtain some more results.” De Luca responds with an insult, causing outrage among the Fratelli d’Italia general staff.
Democratic Party Leaders Called Out
Tommaso Foti, FdI group leader in the Chamber, criticizes the Democratic Party leaders for tolerating De Luca’s behavior. He says, “This type of foul language reveals the real level of the Italian left.” His Senate counterpart, Lucio Malan, calls out Elly Schlein for her silence over the matter, suggesting that her silence makes the Democratic Party co-responsible for such unacceptable attitudes.
