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Home , Adriana Poli Bortone, Alessandro Di Battista, Anna Finocchiaro, Antonio Bassolino, Denis Verdini, Ferdinando Imposimato

Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015

Compiled by Rinaldo Vignati

January

2 Controversy regarding the city police: 83 percent were absent due to illness on New Year’s Day. , the minister of public administration, announces “disciplinary .” 3 There is much debate caused by one clause in the fiscal decree introduced at Christmas: some believe that it may wipe clean ’s record. 4 Government’s U-turn on the “Save Berlusconi” decree. Prime Min- ister calls for the decree to go back to the Council of Ministers. 7 The “Italicum” (which introduces a reform to the electoral system) is discuused in the Senate. In the Chamber of Deputies, , the minister of reforms, declares that “the imple- mentation of the new law will be postponed to 2016.” 11 Renzi, along with about 40 heads of state and of government from around the world, takes part in the march held in Paris in response to the terrorist attacks of the previous days. Center-left primaries are held in . Raffaella Paita comes out on top, but the second-place candidate, Sergio Cofferati, chal- lenges the vote, pointing to “a number of cases of rules being broken.” 13 Strasbourg: Renzi’s closing speech for ’s European semester: “There has been a deep change of direction.” Objections raised by the (LN, Northern League) and by the Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S, ). 14 The president of the Republic, , resigns.

Italian Politics: Governing under Constraint 31 (2016): 1–20 © Berghahn Books doi:10.3167/ip.2016.310102 2 Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015

15 Vanessa Marzullo and Greta Ramelli, the two aid workers kid- napped in Syria six months earlier, are freed. Dispute between the political parties over the payment of a ransom. 16 , the minister of foreign affairs, on the freeing of the kidnapped aid workers: “A great country must be committed to saving the lives of its own citizens.” LN and M5S express dis- satisfaction (“useless information”). 17 Cofferati leaves the Partito Democratico (PD, ): “I will not found another party.” 20 The Constitutional Court rules that the referendum called for by the LN for the repeal of the Fornero law (reform of the pension system launched by the Monti government) is inadmissible. Reform of cooperative banks is approved. Among other things, this will lead to the banks being turned into joint stock companies and the abolition of voting limits. Renzi and Berlusconi meet to discuss the electoral law and reforms. Berlusconi says “yes” to the majority bonus going to the list (rather than to the coalition). 21 Vote on the Italicum: the Senate rejects the amendments proposed by the PD minority calling for the abolition of blocked heads of lists and approves the amendment of the majority enabling the roughly 38,000 amendments put forward by the League to be skipped. 22 , the president of the , announces the go-ahead for the injection of liquidity into the markets via the purchase of bonds: “We will not stop until infla- tion is running at 2 percent.” 26 A week after the suspension imposed by the prefect on the basis of the Severino law, , the mayor of Salerno, is reinstated by the TAR (Regional Administrative Court). 27 The Senate approves the Italicum, although 24 senators from the PD abstain to express dissent with the party line. M5S: 9 members of Parliament announce their decision to leave the party. 28 Renzi declares that the PD candidate for the president of the Republic is to be . (FI) and the Nuovo Centrodestra (NCD, New Center-Right) declare their opposition. In Emilia-Romagna, 117 persons are arrested regarding the post-earthquake bidding processes as a result of infiltration by the ‘Ndrangheta. 29 First round of voting for the election of the president of the Repub- lic: nobody reaches the quorum. Those gaining the most votes are Ferdinando Imposimato, selected by the M5S following an online ballot of its members, and Vittorio Feltri, supported by Fratelli Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015 3

d’Italia (FdI, ) and the Northern League. Antici- pating a fourth round of voting, the PD opts to cast blank ballot sheets. 31 Mattarella is elected with 665 votes, surpassing the number of the grand electors of parties officially supporting his candidacy: the PD, Sinistra Ecologia e Libertà (SEL, Left Ecology and Freedom), NCD-Unione di Centro (UdC, Union of the Center), Scelta Civica (SC, ), and other minor parties. The FI’s member of , , declares that “either Berlusconi annuls everything, or we are heading toward a final showdown.” Splits also appear within the NCD: , the head of the NCD group in the Senate, resigns.

February

3 Mattarella is sworn in: “The arbiter must be impartial. The play- ers must help him by behaving correctly.” His speech is warmly received by all the political parties. 4 The FI president’s office expresses dissatisfaction with the way in which Mattarella’s election was conducted. The party announces the end of the Nazarene pact: “We consider ourselves free to assess each situation on its own terms, without being bound by any agreements that have been reneged on by the other side.” 6 Eight parliamentarians from SC, including , the minister of education, switch to the PD. 8 SC congress: Enrico Zanetti is elected secretary. 11 Four dinghies sink in the Sicilian Channel: 300 dead. At the meeting of FI’s parliamentary groups, Berlusconi delivers an ultimatum to Fitto: “He must make up his mind—in or out.” 12 SEL calls for , the minister of the interior, to pro- vide information to the Chamber about the migrants disaster, while the M5S announces that it will propose a motion of no confidence against the minister. Constitutional reform: the obstructionist tactics of the M5S slow down the Chamber’s work, while the PD minority calls for more “flexibility.” Boschi replies: “Let us move forward without allowing vetoes to block our paths.” 13 Constitutional reforms: scuffles break out in the Chamber between deputies from the PD and SEL. Members of the opposition parties—FI, M5S, LN and SEL—walk out of the Chamber and ask to be received at the Quirinal . 4 Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015

17 Mattarella receives (FI) and the SEL delegation. However, the LN refuses to take part in the meeting. : “Why should I go? Just to ask for his hairdresser’s phone number?” 18 The feud between Fitto and Berlusconi goes on. The leader places the Puglia party branches under his direct control, appointing one of his “most loyal supporters,” Luigi Vitale, to head up the operation. 20 The Council of Ministers launches the implementation of the first decrees of the Jobs Act. Renzi calls it “a historic day, one that has been long awaited by an entire generation.” 21 Rome: meeting of the group aiming to “rebuild” FI, led by Fitto: “We were, we are, and we shall remain in FI.” 23 After three years of negotiations, Italy and Switzerland sign an agreement to end banking secrecy. 24 The Chamber definitively approves the law on the civil liability of judges. The M5S votes against it, while FI, LN, SEL, and FdI abstain. The Associazione Nazionale Magistrati (ANM, National Magistrates Association) defines it as a “law against the magistrates.” 25 The approves the law on the Italian bud- get, stating that EU rules are adhered to, even though “Italy is experiencing excessive macro-economic imbalances that require decisive political action and entail specific monitoring.” Communiqué from the Ministry of Economic Development blocks the proposed 100 percent acquisition of Rai Way by EI Tow- ers (controlled by Mediaset): “A decree in 2014 established that at least 51 percent of Rai Way should remain under RAI’s control.” 26 (PD) announces his decision not to take part in the meeting of parliamentarians called by Renzi, and he criticizes the Jobs Act, calling it “unconstitutional.” The leaders of the M5S, Gianroberto Casaleggio and , are received at the Quirinal Palace. They call for “the safe- guarding of the parliamentary form of government” and speak of a “cordial and constructive meeting.” 27 The Italian-German bond yield spread falls to below 100 basis points, the lowest level since 2010.

March

1 De Luca wins the PD primaries for the choice of candidate for the regional presidency in . 2 The LN’s federal council confirms the candidacy of at the regional elections in . It also issues an ultimatum to Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015 5

Flavio Tosi: remaining inside the LN is “incompatible” with hav- ing created a foundation supporting his candidacy for the regional elections. 3 The Council of Ministers approves the national ultra-wideband plan and the plan for digital growth. 5 Moscow: summit between Vladimir Putin and Renzi on economic relations and the fight against terrorism. 9 The LN’s Committee for Discipline and Control, chaired by , grants Tosi an extension of 24 hours to make a decision on his candidacy. 10 The Chamber approves the constitutional reform of Title V and of the Senate (357 in favor, 125 against, 7 abstentions). Divisions are announced within the PD (Bersani says that this is his “last ‘yes’ vote” should the Italicum not be changed) and within FI (17 members state that they had voted against the reforms only out of a sense of “loyalty and affection” for Berlusconi). The Court of Cassation confirms Berlusconi’s acquittal in the “Rubygate” case. Following Tosi’s decision to run in the regional elections in Veneto, a statement from Salvini announces that he will “no lon- ger continue as a militant and as secretary of the party.” 12 The Council of Ministers launches the draft law on “Good School.” It aims for “flexibility for institutions in their approach to teach- ing and organization” and a boost in staffing levels, with 100,000 temporary staff members being appointed to permanent posts. 13 Francis announces an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy from 8 December to 20 November 2016. 14 LN: Tosi officially announces his candidacy for the Veneto regional elections. Around 80 associations take part in the “Social Coalition” launched by the FIOM’s secretary, Maurizio Landini: “Work qual- ity is the basis for all other citizenship rights.” 15 Felice Casson wins the PD primaries for the council elections. 16 Four arrests are made and 51 suspects are listed as part of an inves- tigation into public works contracts. The name of , the minister of infrastructure and transport, also appears in the files, but not as a suspect. 17 The M5S and SEL table a motion of no confidence in Lupi, who confirms his intention not to resign. 18 Lupi addresses Parliament: “I acted with absolute correctness and transparency.” 6 Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015

19 Lupi resigns as minister. For Renzi, this is a “wise decision.” 21 Assembly of the PD minority: comments made by Massimo D’Alema (“The party has a strong personalistic element and a degree of arrogance”) spark a debate. 22 The mayor of , , announces that he does not intend to stand again in the 2016 council elections. 23 Renzi is received by Mattarella and is appointed interim minister of infrastructure. 24 The law on prescriptions and limitations is passed on its first read- ing in the Chamber (274 votes in favor, 26 against, 121 absten- tions). Rift in the majority, with the NCD abstaining. 27 The Council of Ministers approves the reform of RAI. The board is to be made up of 7 members (4 appointed by Parliament, 2 by the Ministry of the Economy, and one by the employees) and a CEO. 28 Demonstration in Rome staged by the Social Coalition led by Lan- dini: “Renzi is worse than Berlusconi. We will use every means at our disposal to fight against the Jobs Act.” 30 PD national executive: Renzi states that he is opposed to changes to the Italicum reform, while the head of the PD group in the Chamber, , sends out a warning: “Renzi risks losing part of the PD on the way to reforms.” Renzi’s position is approved with 120 votes, but the PD minority decides to abstain.

April

1 The Senate approves the draft anti-corruption law (124 votes in favor, 74 against, 43 abstentions). Sentences for corruption are to be increased, and false accounting is once again considered a crime. As well as the majority, SEL votes in favor of this measure, while FI, M5S, and Grandi Autonomie e Libertà (GAL, Grand Autonomies and Freedom) vote against it. The LN and FI announce that they have reached an agreement for the regional elections. 2 , undersecretary of the prime minister, is appointed minister of infrastructure. 3 Puglia: Francesco Schittulli, the FI candidate for the presidency of the Puglia region, declares his support for Fitto. 6 FI: in Puglia, Fitto obtains the support of the NCD. 7 In a press conference, Renzi and , the minister of economy and finance, give a preliminary outline of the econ- omy and finance document: “There will be no cuts in services or tax increases.” Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015 7

The European Court of Human Rights censures Italy: the action taken by the police in the Diaz school in Genoa during the 2001 G8 summit amounted to “torture” and “inhumane or degrading treatment.” PD: letter from Speranza calling on Renzi to reopen the debate on the Italicum. 10 The Council of Ministers approves the finance bill. FI reaches agreement with the NCD over the regional elections in Campania. 11 FI nominates Adriana Poli Bortone as its candidate for the Puglia regional elections. 12 The LN declares its support for Poli Bortone, while the FdI con- firms that it will back Schittulli, the candidate of the Fitto support- ers and of the NCD. 15 The PD’s national assembly approves the Italicum. For Renzi, “the government is strongly linked with this electoral law, for better or worse.” But there are divisions within the party (those opposed to the law refuse to vote), and Speranza resigns as head of the PD group in the Chamber. 16 Paita, who had been notified the previous day of charges related to the investigations into the floods in Liguria, is confirmed as the PD’s candidate for the presidency in the regional elections. 17 Renzi holds private talks with US President Barack Obama, who uses positive terms to describe the links with Italy, even though there are some differences in the approach to relations with Russia. 19 A large boat capsizes in the Sicilian Channel. Between 700 and 950 migrants are dead. Renzi calls for the EU “not to leave us on our own” and for “an immediate summit in Brussels.” announces his resignation from Parliament on the Che Tempo Che Fa television program (RAI 3). 20 The PD replaces 10 “dissident” members of the Constitutional Affairs Committee as a result of decisions made by the national executive on the electoral law. For , the former PD president, this creates a “serious rift.” 22 The Italicum is given the go-ahead by the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Chamber. Migrants emergency: the Senate passes an FI motion calling for the UN Security Council to assess the possibility of a naval blockade in Libya. 23 Emergency EU summit to tackle the migrants crisis and the issue of human trafficking. Triton naval missions are strengthened. 27 In a letter to the PD minority, Renzi pleas for party unity on the electoral law vote: “If it does not go through, it will affect the idea 8 Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015

that the PD is Italy’s driving force for change. It is the dignity of the party that is at stake.” 28 Minister Boschi announces to the Chamber the government’s decision to hold three votes of confidence on the Italicum. Criti- cisms are voiced by various PD members (Bersani, Letta, ), and there are protests from opposition parties. 29 First vote of confidence in the Chamber on the Italicum (352 in favor, 207 against, 1 abstention). Thirty-eight PD deputies, includ- ing Bersani, do not vote. 30 The Constitutional Court rejects the decision of the Monti govern- ment to freeze the indexing of pensions. Concern over the pub- lic accounts: the government must reimburse around 6 million pensioners.

May

1 Milan EXPO opens. Demonstration by students and anti-Expo groups ends in violence and serious damage. 3 Twenty thousand Milanese citizens take part in a march led by Mayor Pisapia against the violence of 1 May. 4 Final approval is given to the Italicum (334 votes in favor, 61 against, 4 abstentions). The opposition parties walk out of the Chamber when the time comes to vote. Infighting in the PD increases. 5 Demonstrations take place all over Italy against the education reforms that the government tabled for discussion in Parliament. 6 Pippo Civati, a deputy of the party, leaves the PD: “I don’t feel able to cast a vote of confidence on the government.” 11 The count is completed for the first round of council elections in Bolzano (which required a run-off, subsequently won by the center-left), in Valle d’Aosta, and in Trento (a victory for the center-left). 12 A meeting is held in Palazzo Chigi between the government and the unions on the Good School reform: their positions are far apart, and the unions threaten to block assessments. 13 Renzi explains the educational reform being worked on by the government in a video. In their recommendations to Italy, the European Commission declares that “restructuring and consolidation measures are neces- sary for the banking sector in order to support economic recovery.” 16 Schools: the COBAS teachers’ union announces two days of strikes. Renzi: “This will rebound on them.” Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015 9

17 President Mattarella decides to reduce his own allowances by making the whole of the Quirinal Palace subject to the law ban- ning the accumulation of salary and pensions in the public admin- istration sector. Fitto announces his decision to leave FI: “I have written a letter to the head of the EPP [European People’s Party] group, explain- ing why I am leaving. And I have applied to join the group of European Conservatives.” 18 The Council of Ministers launches a decree reimbursing pension- ers as required by the Constitutional Court. Renzi: “Here we are correcting the errors made by others.” 20 The Chamber passes the Good School reform (316 in favor, 137 against, 1 abstention). There is a split in the PD, with around 30 dissidents. 21 The Chamber gives final approval to the draft anti-corruption law (280 in favor, 53 against, 11 abstentions). FI and the M5S vote against; the LN abstains. 29 Bindi, the president of the Anti-Mafia Commission, announces the names of 16 candidates considered “unpresentable,” as they were on remand for some type of crime. Among these is De Luca, the center-left candidate for the Campania region. 31 Regional elections: the center-left wins in Tuscany, Marche, Umbria, Campania, and Puglia; the center-right prevails in Liguria and Veneto. Significant rise in abstentions.

June

1 On his return from Afghanistan, where he visited the Italian troops, Renzi comments on the elections: “It went well.” The count is also completed for the council elections: a run-off is required for 13 councils out of 17, while the center-right wins three and the center-left one. The M5S calls for the suspension of De Luca on the basis of the Severino law. 2 De Luca files an official complaint against Bindi (defamation, abuse of powers, an attack on political rights) and calls for the Severino law to be changed. 4 The investigation into Rome’s “Mafia Capital” scandal leads to the arrest of 44 people, among whom are politicians from both alignments, as well as council and regional officials. FI, the M5S, and the LN call on the council and the regional government to resign. 10 Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015

7 , president of the region, warns the prefects not to “bring any new clandestine immigrants” into Lom- bardy and calls on the mayors not to take in any more. In Renzi’s opinion, this is “demagoguery.” 9 Good School reform: the government is defeated in committee on the issue of constitutionality. 11 The Council of Ministers gives the go-ahead to the implementa- tional decrees for the Jobs Act regarding family-work conciliation. 12 The presidents of Veneto (Zaia) and of Liguria () write to the prefects, asking them to put an immediate stop to receiving any new refugees. 14 Run-offs for the council elections: the center-left (which loses Venice) gains 6 of the provincial capitals being contested (it had been governing in 10); the center-right (which had been govern- ing in 6) wins 8; two of the main cities are won by civic lists. 16 Commenting on Rome’s mayor, Ignazio Marino, Renzi states on Porta a Porta (RAI 1): “If Marino can’t handle it, he should go home.” 17 A tweet from Grillo stating that Rome is “buried under rodents, rubbish, and illegal refugee camps run by the Mafia” sparks a furor. 18 De Luca is officially proclaimed president of the Campania region. 24 The Constitutional Court unanimously rules that the wage freeze for public employees from 2011 to the present is in line with the Constitution. PD: two members (Stefano Fassina and Monica Gregori) leave the party. 25 The Senate approves the Good School reform (159 in favor, 112 against). Street protests by students and teachers. 26 A prime ministerial decree suspends De Luca as president of Cam- pania. Renzi: “I am applying the Severino law.” 29 Stock markets fall: Milan down by 5.17 percent. De Luca lodges an appeal against the decree suspending him from office.

July

2 De Luca’s appeal is upheld. The court gives De Luca the all-clear to be installed as president of the region and to appoint the regional council. The court finds that the suspension set by the Severino law “cannot be transformed into an abnormal rever- sal of the elections.” Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015 11

Renzi meets ’s chancellor, Angela Merkel, who com- ments on Italy’s recovery: “The prospects for growth are good, and this is the right direction.” 6 Further significant fall in the value of stocks: Milan is down by 4.03 percent. 8 Berlusconi is sentenced to three years in prison and banned from holding public office by a court of first instance for bribing sena- tors: “Absurd political sentence at the end of a trial based on a laughable theory by the prosecution.” The Senate’s council for authorizations agrees to the house arrest of Antonio Azzollini (NCD). 9 Final approval of the Good School reform (227 in favor, 173 against, 4 abstentions). Rifts in the PD (39 deputies do not cast a vote, 5 vote against) and in FI (4 deputies close to Denis Verdini vote in favor). 11 Car bomb outside the Italian consulate in Cairo: 1 dead, 10 injured. ISIS claims responsibility. 14 Renzi points to the urgent need for a law on civil unions: “It must be done by those who are prepared to do it.” 15 Thirteen pre-trial detention warrants are issued for politicians and businessmen linked to the Casalesi clan. An arrest warrant is also sought for Carlo Sarro, an FI deputy. 16 Controversy sparked by the publication of a wiretapped tele- phone call in L’Espresso—subsequently refuted by the Palermo public prosecutor’s office—in which the president of the region, , states that in his opinion Lucia Borsel- lino “ought to meet the same end as her father,” Paolo Borsellino, a magistrate killed by the . 18 PD assembly in Milan: Renzi announces the decision to eliminate the tax on people’s first homes and the IMU tax on agriculture. Planning to take subsequent action on IRES, IRAP, and IRPEF tax brackets, Renzi states: “We will no longer be the party of taxation. There will be a change of identity in this regard.” Palermo: during the commemoration events for his father Paolo, Manfredi Borsellino, after speaking about his sister (“being crucified like my father”), is hugged by the president of the Republic, Mattarella. 19 Crocetta rejects calls for him to resign, saying that he is “the vic- tim of a conspiracy” by “deviant agencies.” 20 Libya: 3 are kidnapped by the militia. 22 Milan’s Court of Appeals hands down a life sentence to Carlo Maria Maggi and Maurizio Tramonte in relation to the Piazza della Loggia bombing of 1974. 12 Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015

A Tunisian and a Pakistani are arrested in the Brescia area: they are accused of planning an attack on the military base in Ghedi (near Brescia). On a visit to , Renzi gives a speech in the Knesset (“Italy will always be on the front line against any form of boycotting against Israel”) and meets the Palestinian leader, Abu Mazen (“It is necessary to recognize two states and to guarantee the security of both of them”). 23 Verdini meets Berlusconi and confirms his decision to break away from FI. Trial concerning the ILVA steelworks in Taranto: the ex-presi- dent of the Puglia region, , is also implicated with a charge of aggravated abuse of office. 27 Rome: SEL walks out of the council following the resignation of other councilors over the course of the previous days. 28 The Senate passes a vote of confidence (163 in favor, 111 against) on the decree containing cuts to health spending, which had caused debate over the previous days. Boschi: “The health cuts included in this decree are those agreed upon with the regions.” The city council in Rome is reshuffled: Marino forms a new administration. 29 The Alleanza Liberalpopolare–Autonomie (ALA, Liberal Popular Alliance–Autonomies), the new party consisting of Verdini sup- porters, is officially launched. 31 The Senate gives final approval to the draft law reforming the governance of RAI (142 in favor, 92 against).

August

1 Warning from the Court of Accounts: in the last three months, local taxes have risen from 505 to 618 euros per capita. 4 The parliamentary commission for the general direction and supervision of radio and television services elects seven members for the new RAI board. Among them is Carlo Freccero, nominated by the M5S and SEL. Final approval given to the reform of public administration (145 in favor, 97 against). 5 Agreement between FI and the PD: Monica Maggioni is elected as RAI president with a unanimous vote by the board and a majority vote in the supervisory commission. 6 RAI: the director-general and future CEO (Antonio Campo Dall’Orto) and the president (Maggioni) are appointed. Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015 13

The government releases the first 2.2 billion euros for the ultra- wideband plan. 7 Among the amendments tabled in the Constitutional Affairs Com- mittee for Boschi’s draft law on the reform of the Senate, there is one proposed by the PD minority on the eligibility for the election of senators. The LN presents 500,000 amendments. PD executive: policies for the South must be at the center of the discussions. 17 Renzi and Merkel meet at the Milan Expo. They agree on the need for European policies to deal with the migrants crisis. 20 Rome: outrage is caused by the spectacular funeral of Vittorio Casamonica, the head of a Roma family caught up in a number of investigations (including the Mafia Capital scandal). Marino calls the spectacle “intolerable,” while Alfano requests a report from the prefect, Franco Gabrielli. 21 Gabrielli refers to “failures in security arrangements” regarding the Casamonica funeral. 23 Following Toti’s interview in La Repubblica, in which he specu- lated that primaries might be held for the choice of center-right candidates for the 2016 administrative elections, Berlusconi declares that he is opposed to this: “It is a tool that can be manip- ulated, and it cannot be used to find the best candidate.” 24 Collapse of the stock exchange. Milan is among the worst hit (–5.96 percent). While the debate goes on over the Casamonica funeral, Marino is criticized for being absent (he is on holiday in the United States). The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg rules that an arbitration tribunal must reach a decision on the case of the two Italian marines arrested in India in 2012. 25 At a meeting of Comunione e Liberazione (CL, Communion and Liberation), Renzi promises: “There will be no IMU or TASI for anyone in 2016.” 27 Rome: the government assigns the task of coordinating the Jubilee of Mercy to Gabrielli, the city’s prefect. He is also expected to sup- port the mayor in the operations to clean up the city.

September

2 At the Festa dell’Unità in Milan, Bersani attacks Renzi (the reform of the Senate and the Italicum create a “distortion of democ- racy”), but he promises that there will be “no splits.” 4 The Council of Ministers approves the four decrees completing the reform of the jobs market (the Jobs Act). 14 Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015

10 Refugees crisis: Renzi sends a letter to the other European leaders stating that “the logic of national self-interest has to be overcome” and that it is necessary to “go beyond the Dublin Regulation.” At the Festa dell’Unità in Florence, Bersani states that he is prepared to vote for the Senate reform only if the rules regarding the electoral eligibility of senators are reinserted. 18 The Council of Ministers approves the finance bill. Growth fore- casts are at 0.9 percent for 2015 and 1.6 percent for 2016. 21 The PD national executive unanimously supports Renzi’s line on the reform of the Senate. There is to be no direct election of sena- tors, but appointments are to be made using the Tatarella model (the system introduced in 1995 for the regional elections). The minority decide not to vote, but along with Bersani they consider this a “significant move forward.” Controversy arises over Renzi’s comments on the president of the Senate: “If he were to reopen the issue of Article 2, it would be unprecedented.” 22 After days of arguments and debates, the interior ministers of the EU countries reach a majority agreement on the redistribution of 120,000 refugees. 23 The Chamber gives initial support to the draft law on wiretapping (the so-called gagging law). Protests from the M5S and the ANM. Reform of the Senate: agreement is reached between the PD’s majority and minority with three amendments by the rapporteur . 28 Bangladesh: the Italian aid worker Cesare Tavella is killed by ISIS. On his return from a visit to the United States, the Pope responds to a question from journalists by saying that he had not been responsible for inviting Marino to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. 29 Reform of the Senate: the president of the Senate, Pietro Grasso, rules that most of the 72 million amendments tabled by are not admissible, leaving 383,500 that are. Protests from the LN. Renzi addresses the UN General Assembly: “Italy is ready to take on a leading role for aid and stabilization” in Libya. Falling for a telephone hoax staged by La Zanzara (Radio 24), Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia, the president of the Holy See’s Pon- tifical Council for the Family, says that Marino “gatecrashed” dur- ing the Pope’s visit to the United States, making the Pope “livid” about what happened. 30 First round of voting on the amendments to the Senate reform: the majority wins. Grasso takes a position on the controversial Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015 15

amendments to Article 2: only those that eliminate the whole article and those relating to Section 5 are admissible.

October

1 Article 1 of the Senate reform is approved: the ALA and two ex-FI members vote in favor, along with the majority. Criticism from the opposition parties is aimed at Grasso, who is accused of bow- ing to the government’s wishes regarding the decision to reduce secret votes. 2 Scuffles in the Senate following obscene gestures made by Lucio Barani (ALA) toward Barbara Lezzi (M5S). Paolo Scaroni, ex-CEO of ENI is acquitted of charges of interna- tional corruption relating to contracts in Algeria. 3 Reform of the Senate: approves Article 2, the most contentious part of the draft law (160 in favor, 86 against, 1 abstention). The absence of seven NCD senators is seen as a signal on the issue of civil unions. 4 Renzi announces the reduction of IRES in 2016 and that the televi- sion license fee of 100 euros is to be paid as part of electricity bills. On In Mezz’ora (RAI 3) Verdini, who had been subjected to criticism by the PD minority for helping the reforms through Par- liament, states: “We have nothing in common with the PD, and we have no intention of joining it.” 5 Two senators (Barani and Vincenzo D’Anna) are suspended for five days as a punishment for making sexist gestures during the sitting on 2 October. 6 After a few days of arguments, Marino announces his intention to give back the money withdrawn from the council’s credit card account to pay for a series of private dinners. 7 Reform of the Senate: the M5S and LN accuse FI of “propping up the government” after 28 of its members vote with the majority on a key amendment. 8 Rome: following the resignations of the PD councilors, Marino him- self announces his resignation: “I offer my resignation, but accord- ing to the law I can still withdraw it within the next 20 days.” 12 The privatization of the postal service is launched: 38 percent of its capital is put on the market, making it the biggest privatization in 16 years. Rome: Marino hands in his resignation. Civil unions: the meeting between Renzi and Alfano ends with no agreement being reached. 16 Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015

13 The Senate approves the Senate reform (179 in favor, 17 against, 7 abstentions). FI and the M5S do not take part in the vote. 14 resigns as the NCD’s coordinator and calls on Alfano to hold a debate on an alliance with the PD. The Senate gives final approval to the Boccadutri draft law releasing election-related reimbursements to the parties. Protests from the M5S. 15 The Council of Ministers launches the stability law: 27 billion euros in the basic version, 30 in the “version with extras” (as Renzi puts in), in the event that the European Commission allows greater flexibility. On Porta a Porta, Boschi states that, as far as civil unions are concerned, “I fear that there will be delays. If need be, we will come back to this in January.” 18 The PD minority criticizes the stability law, particularly over the elimination of the tax on property homes. Speranza: “We cannot act as reversed Robin Hoods.” The M5S assembly draws to a close. Casaleggio: “The first thing we must do is to eliminate corruption.” Nunzio Galantino, the secretary of the Conferenza Episcopale Italiana (CEI, Italian Episcopal Conference), intervenes in the debate on civil unions: “It is hard to believe that the government is putting so much energy into these particular unions, and in reality is moving the traditional family, the pillar of our society, into a corner.” 20 Severino law: the Constitutional Court rejects the question of the legitimacy of the suspension of Luigi De Magistris, the mayor of the Naples. Rome: in a press conference Marino announces his intention to “check whether there is a majority in the council.” The governor of the Bank of Italy, Ignazio Visco, is placed under investigation for corruption and fraud in relation to the sale of the Banco di Spoleto. 21 The deputy minister of culture, Francesca Barracciu, resigns, hav- ing been accused of the reckless misuse of expenses claimed as regional councilor in Sardinia. The Court of Appeals in Rome acquits De Magistris of the charge of abuse of office. 25 Marino’s supporters stage a demonstration in the Campidoglio city square. Marino promises them: “I will not disappoint you.” 27 Marino announces his intention to withdraw his resignation. For the first time, Italian government bonds show negative gross yields at auction. Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015 17

At the European Parliament, the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, proposes that Italy should have greater flexibility in its public accounts to compensate for the expenditure incurred by the migrants crisis. 28 There is debate over comments made by Raffaele Cantone, presi- dent of the Autorità Nazionale Anticorruzione (ANAC, National Anti-corruption Authority), who argues that Milan should be given “the role of moral capital, while Rome is proving to lack those antibodies that it needs.” 30 The Rome council is dissolved following the resignations of 26 councilors (19 of them from the PD). The prefect of Milan, Francesco Paolo Tronca, is appointed as commissioner for the Rome council. 31 The final day of the Milan Expo takes place with Mattarella in attendance.

November

1 On In Mezz’ora, Tito Boeri, the president of the Istituto Nazio- nale Previdenza Sociale (INPS, National Social Security Insti- tute), suggests cuts of up to 12 percent for pensions over 80,000 euros. The Tobruk government in Libya accuses Italy of violating its territorial waters by sending three warships in. 4 The state-Mafia trial: Calogero Mannino, the ex-Christian Democ- racy minister, is acquitted “for not having committed the act.” Meeting between the government and the regions, which were concerned about the resources for the health fund. Alfredo D’Attorre and other members of Parliament critical of Renzi leave the PD. 5 After days of arguments, Berlusconi lends his support to the dem- onstration organized by the LN in . Rome: the Mafia Capital trial gets under way. 6 The Council of Ministers approves a decree allowing regional bud- gets to be regularized after the Constitutional Court ruling that the use of advances obtained from the government is illegal. In an interview with La Repubblica, Bersani criticizes those who have broken away from the PD: “Without the PD there is no center-left any more … Our people are more likely to go to Grillo than to the new left.” 7 The Sinistra Italiana (), the new party comprising SEL and the PD defectors (among whom are Fassina and D’Attorre), 18 Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015

meets in Rome: “We offer an alternative to Renzi’s Happy Days liberalism.” 8 Bologna: Berlusconi (FI) and (FdI) also take part in the demonstration led by Salvini (LN). Clashes between the police and demonstrators from social centers opposed to the LN. The M5S primaries for the mayoral candidates take place in Milan (where Patrizia Bedori is the winner) and in (where wins). 10 Renzi launches the “post-Expo plan”: an investment of 1.5 bil- lion euros over a 10-year period to create technological research centers. 12 Seven arrests in Bolzano and Merano as part of a European inves- tigation into jihadist cells. Berlusconi’s comments on Porta a Porta (“The Nazarene pact envisaged a change to the Severino law”) spark a furor. 14 Following the terrorist attacks in Paris, a meeting of the Public Order and Security Committee is held. Alfano announces that he has raised the terror alert to “level 2.” 17 Grillo announces on his blog that he intends to remove his name from the logo of the Five Star Movement. 19 The Milan public prosecutor’s office calls for Berlusconi to stand trial: he is suspected of paying off witnesses in the Rubygate trial. 20 Terror threats: in a message on WhatsApp, Renzi urges people not to be unduly alarmed (“There are strange rumors on the Internet. I would ask people not to be taken in by them”). The Senate approves the stability law with a vote of confidence (164 in favor, 116 against, 2 abstentions). 21 “Not in my name” demonstrations are staged by Muslims in Rome and Milan to dissociate themselves from terrorism and show soli- darity with the victims of attacks. 22 Debate within the PD after Antonio Bassolino’s announcement of his intention to stand as a candidate for mayor of Naples. The “Save the Banks” emergency decree is passed to prevent the collapse of four small savings banks: Banca Marche, Banca Etruria, Cariferrara, and Carichieti. 23 The Council of Ministers gives the all-clear to the privatization process for the state railways to be completed in 2016. Forty per- cent of the company is to be listed on the stock market, while the network infrastructure remains in public hands. 24 Renzi announces that “to provide a response to terror,” the gov- ernment is setting aside funds, both for security and for culture: “The 550,000 Italians who are reaching their eighteenth birthdays will each be able to use 500 euros for cultural initiatives.” Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015 19

25 Election of constitutional judges: after 27 rounds of voting failed to produce a winner, the presidents of the chambers, Grasso and Laura Boldrini write: “We are convinced … that the parliamentary groups need to give their total commitment to ensure that the institutions can operate fully.” 27 Renzi meets the vice-president of the United States, Joe Biden. As far as the fight against ISIS is concerned, Renzi states that “Italy is ready to take any action, including the use of the military, but not until there is a clear picture on the future of Syria and the post- Assad situation.”

December

1 There is “black smoke” for the twenty-eighth time in the voting for the three constitutional judges. Giovanni Pitruzzella withdraws. 6 Protest staged by savers whose shares and bonds have lost value following the “Save the Banks” decree. 8 Rome: the Jubilee of Mercy begins, with huge security measures in place. 9 The mayors of Milan (Pisapia), Genoa (Marco Doria), and Cagliari (Massimo Zedda) publish an appeal in La Repubblica calling for unity in the center-left for the 2016 administrative elections. 10 Filippo Penati, ex-president of the province of Milan, is acquitted of corruption charges because “the corroborating facts do not exist.” 12 With an amendment to the stability law, the government chooses to set up a “solidarity fund” for the savers affected by the “Save the Banks” decree. On the second day of the Leopolda, the event staged for Renzi’s supporters, Boschi—who, along with others, is accused of having a “conflict of interest” by journalist Roberto Saviano in La Repub- blica—calls the attacks on the case of the Banca Etruria in which her father is involved “rotten smears.” 13 At the end of the Leopolda, Renzi declares that he is in favor of the idea of a parliamentary commission of inquiry into the banks. 14 The M5S tables a motion of no confidence in Boschi. 16 Thanks to an agreement between the PD and the M5S, in the 32nd round of voting the chambers elect the three judges for the Con- stitutional Court: Augusto Barbera, Franco Modugno, and Giulio Prosperetti. 17 The government decides to delegate the arbitration awards of reimbursements to savers affected by the “Save the Banks” decree to Cantone, the president of the Anti-corruption Authority. 20 Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2015

18 The Chamber rejects the motion of no confidence in Boschi tabled by the M5S (373 against, 129 in favor). Differences between Italy and Germany at the European Coun- cil on issues such as banks and energy are widely reported in the news. Renzi says that he had asked Merkel “some questions that led to real discussions.” 19 In order to stave off the threat of administration, the shareholders of the Veneto Banca decide to transform the bank from a coopera- tive into a joint-stock company. The Chamber approves the stability law, with some amend- ments, and the law now moves to the Senate. 22 Final approval is given in the Senate to the stability law (162 in favor, 125 against). The Senate approves the RAI reform: the director-general becomes chief executive. 23 The EU rejects the plan to save the Banca di Teramo and gives early warning of the opening of a procedure to examine an infringement in the financing provided for ILVA. An anti-trust inquiry, set into motion by Alessandro Di Battista (M5S), finds that in the case of the Banca Etruria there is no conflict of interest for Boschi. The new Variante di Valico section of the A1 motorway (con- necting northern and central Italy) is opened by Renzi, who calls it a “symbol of recovery.” 28 After a number of days in which the pollution limits had been exceeded in various cities, ANCI Lombardia in Milan calls upon the government to take “structural measures” to combat smog. Another M5S member, the senator Serena Fucksia, is expelled from the party. 29 Renzi’s end-of-year press conference: “A referendum on the reform of the Constitution will be held in the autumn. It is quite obvious that if I lose, I will consider my political experience to be a failure.” 30 Meeting on smog between , the minister of the environment, and officials from the regions and large cities. Gal- letti pledges that “700 million euros will be invested for structural works over the next three years.” The M5S expels the mayor of Gela, Domenico Messinese, from the party. 31 In his end-of-year speech, President Mattarella highlights tax eva- sion and the lack of jobs for the young.

— Translated by David Bull