Italy’s Center-Right Government Faces Challenges on Multiple Fronts
A double game that put the center-right to the test. On the one hand, the chaos over the maneuver marked by the League’s nagging about pensions. On the other hand, the next decree for aid to Ukraine, burdened by the need to find a compromise on effective support for Kiev. In addition to the uncertainty about the timing, i.e. whether it will be launched by the government before or after Christmas. The two possible dates remain Monday 22nd or Monday 29th December.
Maneuver and Decree: A Delicate Balance
In the meantime, the maneuver has found its definitive form after hours of back and forth, amendments added, corrected and withdrawn. A peace which was certainly affected by the prime minister’s irritation at the “games” of the allies. And the concern of the top levels of the government for the risks deriving from an open clash in the majority on a complex issue such as the Budget.
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Ukraine Aid: A Point of Contention
The issue of arms to Ukraine is different. Here – the reasoning goes – distances are more permissible and understandable, together with the awareness that up until now the coalition’s vote on foreign policy has always ultimately been united. On the budget law, however, the risks for the stability of the government are greater. And in the last few hours the announcements of extra Maneuver decrees to bring together the rules left out (such as those that were in the latest version of the maxi government amendment and which included commitments on SEZs, the special economic zones) have not helped.
Decrees heralded by the parties, starting with the League, and also shared by the leader of Forza Italia, Tajani, less than an hour before being summoned to Chigi. In this context, the risk of subsequent findings by the Quirinale, due to the use of an instrument such as the decree (unsuitable, due to spending commitments and scope, compared to the financial maneuver) did the rest. Fears which – the majority reason – must have triggered a self-censorship mechanism in the government, preventing a possible lack of appreciation of the Quirinale.
Aid to Ukraine: Compromise and Conditions
The issue of aid to Ukraine remains on the table. Work on the text of the provision continues. The point of failure lies in a couple of expressions, considered essential by the League. The one that specifies that the aid is of a “civilian and humanitarian” nature, and an example is the generating sets and generators that can help save lives in operating rooms. The other step requested by the Northern League is that the weapons sent be of a defensive type and therefore not long-range.
Obviously in the via Bellerio party it is emphasized that much will also depend on the international negotiations underway, hoping that they will soon lead to peace. Words that essentially do not change the “multidisciplinary” support confirmed by Meloni to Parliament and put in black and white in the majority resolution approved last Wednesday. But which would help the League – as is always noted in some sectors of the majority – to distance itself from accusations of being warmongers and then be able to resell its position with its own electorate.
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