Silvio Berlusconi announced in a statement to the press on Saturday, January 22 that he had decided not to run in the presidential election in Italy. The former chairman of the board, 85, removes a barrier to negotiations between the parties ahead of a vote in parliament to appoint Sergio Matterella’s successor, scheduled for Jan. 24.
The appointment of current council chairman Mario Draghi is now considered the most viable option in parliament, but it is not yet certain whether the broader parties that support his coalition will support him, as his departure could trigger early elections.
Silvio Berlusconi, the former chairman of the European Central Bank, has said he wants to continue as head of government until the end of the 2023 legislature. “I have decided to take another step on the path to national responsibility and urge those who proposed it to drop mentioning my name for the presidency.”, he said.
Right-wing coalition Mr. Berlusconi was asked to run in the presidential election. His candidacy is unlikely to win because of his difficulty in garnering the traditionally needed broad support among the more than 1,000 voters involved in the poll.
Limited but essential presidential privileges
Silvio Berlusconi is the most divisive figure in Italy and the center-left camp has already refused to support him. He was suspended from public service in 2013 for tax evasion and is still on trial for bribing witnesses in a child prostitution case.
The center-right or center-left coalition does not have enough votes to impose a candidate from their own side, which means a compromise will be needed to avoid a protracted stalemate. “We, along with the center-right (…) leaders, will agree on a name that can reach a broad consensus in parliament.”, Says Silvio Berlusconi’s press release.
Sergio Materella, in his 80s, wants to use his spare time after an eventful mandate, during which the role of arbitrator assigned to the president by the Italian constitution has been repeatedly highlighted. The president is actually elected for seven years by the parliament and 52 representatives from the Italian regions The first guarantee of respectu text, voted in 1947.
Its privileges are minimal – appointing the chairman of the cabinet, reviewing the government, dissolving both houses of parliament – but necessary in times of political change.
Theoretically Organized every five years, They lead to the constitution of a two-chamber parliament. 630 delegates and 320 senators were then elected, and the party or parties with the most votes must agree to a candidate to occupy the post of chairman of the council – the equivalent of the French prime minister.
Once the nomination is confirmed by the President, the Chairman of the Council again proposes a Government Committee, subject to the agreement of the Head of State. He has the right to veto without appeal. If used, the Chairman of the Board may make or select new proposals Resign the post. Thereafter, the President is responsible for appointing the new Chairman of the Board.
If it is approved by the president, the government must meet with a two-member no-confidence vote in parliament, in full session. It is at the end of this process that he acquires his full executive powers, which extend beyond the powers of the president.
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