Mario Draghi’s government in Italy now faces a political threat as the president has rejected his resignation. With the 5-Star Movement out of the picture, it is unclear what direction Italian politics will take.
Governments all around the world are facing some kind of political instability in one way or another. Be it poor financial decisions, the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war or COVID-19. Governments are falling, leaders are resigning or getting indicted. Italy just joined this list of nations undergoing turmoil as the protests are erupting, the allies are withdrawing their support and in the midst of it all, Draghi is resigning.
5-Star Movement withdraws its support
The biggest party in the current coalition, the 5-Star movement refused to support the ruling party in the confidence vote on Wednesday. Its withdrawal, though not sudden, has left the government jolted as it now faces a real threat of collapse.
Even though, the party identifies its political ideology as ‘New-Right’ or right, its stances on certain issues are left-leaning. In the past, the movement has made it known with its pro-environmental, pro-sustainability and pro-basic income stances.
The movement naturally, had troubles with Draghi’s new measures which were designed to tackle Italy’s cost-of-living crisis. For the party, the last straw was the provision of a giant trash incinerator in Rome which will lead to environmental concerns. Although some people are speculating that this move is an attempt to win back its supporters.As the party’s vote share has gone down since the previous general elections and is experiencing internal divisions.
Even though the measures went ahead- 172 against 39, without 5-Star, it will be next to impossible for the government to bounce back.
Resignation and rejection
Prime Minister Draghi offered his resignation on Thursday which president Sergio Mattarella rejected, instead asking him to address the parliament.
With protests increasing in Italy and a major ally walking out, there are many ways this may end. Possible outcomes might include but not may be limited to, a new premier with the same coalition, 5-Star joining hands with the opposition party or an early election.
It will all become clear next Wednesday when Draghi will return to Italy and address the parliament.
The disgruntled public in Italy
Italy, much like any other country has seen protests during the past 2 years related to the pandemic. In the current scenario, protests have gained momentum once again.
Northern Italy is seeing growing protests from taxi drivers who are steadily approaching Rome. Milan, Turin, and Genoa are all seeing the rise in unhappy public. The protests are taking place due to the government’s decision to allow share-ride expansion (like Uber), thus increasing competition. There are even reports of bombing in certain places.
Even though the protests might not be about the same issue, it certainly reflects the public’s general dissatisfaction with the government.
Often known as ‘Super Mario’ in the political sphere, Draghi is now in a situation out of his hands. Nearly a decade ago, Draghi, with his ‘whatever its takes’ approach saved Euro. But the former head of The European Central Bank seems to have given up as he claims, “I’m a human being, and so things happen,”
Italy with a debt of 2.5 trillion Euros, unhappy investors and a lack of economic growth are now one of the worst performers in Europe joining the ranks of Greece and France.
The elections are around the corner and Mario has no major political ally. Now it’s up to him to rally the support of any remaining supporters and come up with a solution to the current problem. However, given the circumstances, the chances of that happening are very unlikely and it is possible that Italy might face an early election in autumn, something that has not happened in the country since the Second World War.
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