After an hour of group leaders’ conference, the Chamber approves the majority motion which proposed the “river session” for the approval of the bill on differentiated autonomy. No agreement with the opposition groups, who had already protested in the square in the afternoon. The discussion should therefore continue indefinitely, i.e. until the end of the measure and the final vote. Among the protests of minority groups, who branded the decision as a “disfigurement” and a “rip” to the parliamentary debate. The approval of the “river session” passed with a margin of 54 votes, now we will continue to vote on all the amendments that are missing, over a hundred. The opposition still have around 7 hours to speak. After the resumption of work at 8pm on Tuesday 18 June, the definitive green light for the measure was expected between the evening of Wednesday 19 June and the morning of Thursday 20 June. Meanwhile, the first green light for the reform of the premiership has arrived in the Senate. The text will now pass to the Chamber for examination and, based on the procedure established by article 138 of the Charter for a constitutional revision law, six months will have to pass after the second reading before proceeding with the third and fourth votes. It is probable, however, that the reform will only get to the heart of Montecitorio after the summer break.
Calderoli’s intervention
One of the first to speak in the Chamber today is Roberto Calderoli, Minister for Regional Affairs and creator of the bill on differentiated autonomy. «It is not this law that creates differentiated autonomy, it is in our constitution. You may like it or not, but we are implementing the Constitution”, said the Northern League minister in the Chamber. Addressing the opposition benches, Calderoli added: «I feel that among the contents of the law there would be the provision of more resources for the Regions that are better off. I’m sorry but you are talking about another law because this one says exactly the opposite.” In any case, the minister assured, no decision was taken “blindly, there was also a constructive debate”.
Protests from the opposition
The opposition does not see it that way, as they appear united in their condemnation of the reforms desired by the Meloni government. «It is a crucial passage in Italian and European history. Let us be ready, united and compact”, said the secretary of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, addressing the other opposition leaders, who today joined together for a demonstration in Piazza Santi Apostoli, in Rome. «Today the premiership passed in the Senate, the self-styled patriot is carrying forward her reform which is splitting Italy. They are also forcing the Chamber to carry out differentiated autonomy, a reform that aims to increase inequalities”, added the Dem secretary. In the square with Schlein there was, among others, Giuseppe Conte, president of the 5 Star Movement, together with the deputy Leonardo Donno, who was attacked in the Chamber during the discussion of the autonomy reform. «It won’t be kicks and punches to one of our parliamentarians that will stop us. We are for a more democratic Italy, in defense of the Constitution, against differentiated autonomy that splits Italy and against this Premiership. Our response is strong and united: they will not pass.”
On the cover: The secretary of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, at the demonstration against the reforms of the premiership and autonomy in Piazza Santi Apostoli in Rome, 18 June 2024 (ANSA/Ettore Ferrari)
