AGI – “The opposition will be silent”. Roberto Calderoni, minister for regional affairs who signed the law on differentiated autonomy in some points judged non-compliant by the Constitutional Court, interviewed by Repubblica underlines that he has plowed “an uncultivated field and if the Court gives me suggestions I am happy”. It was the opposition that asked for the examination of the Council on autonomy, “so if we now apply the constitutional suggestions, no one has to bother me anymore. I’ve seen worse – he adds – here we’re talking about 7 points. I remember when the Porcellum was declared completely unconstitutional: I foreseen it, because I wrote that electoral law under the sword of Damocles of political impositions”.
However, he assures, autonomy will continue because “we don’t stop”. “I have respect for the judges and I will observe their requirements. I will not enter into controversies with robes. The left must in turn vote for the constitutionally obligatory changes”, he says again. Calderoli rejects the idea of having “taken the Court’s ruling negatively, that’s not the case. I have the utmost respect for the constitutional judges. Of course, I would have been happier if they had told me ‘everything’s fine’. But I have humility and the pride of those who have traveled an unknown and new land”.
The minister recalls how there have been attempts towards autonomy such as those of Francesco Boccia and Maristella Gelmini, as well as attempts to reach an agreement with the Regions. “Everyone has failed. I managed to get a law on autonomy approved in Parliament and I didn’t have the truth in my pocket.” The ruling of the Council “serves me to correct a law so that it can correspond to what the Constitution prescribes”, underlines Calderoli.
“With respect to the complaints of the Council, in my defense I have the fact that I have used a consolidated practice in the past and that I am navigating unknown terrain”. Furthermore, it is “nonsense” to say that only the skeleton of autonomy remains standing. “My law is made up of eleven articles and forty-five paragraphs” he specifies. “The centre-left Regions contest 43 of the 45 paragraphs. The Consulta found seven reasons out of sixty of unconstitutionality. As a result, the structure of the law has held up” the minister remarks.
As for the leps, “I intend to present an ad hoc enabling law. For the rest, amendments. We should be there by the end of 2025”. Do you think the referendum will take place? “Where is it written that I would like to split Italy? Autonomy is supportive, perhaps even too much compared to the behavior of some Regions. The referendum doesn’t scare me because I never believed it was admissible. And I don’t believe it even more now after the intervention of the Council”. Calderoli then concludes by underlining how there is no competition between autonomy and the premiership: “The paths are widely separated and will remain so”.
How can the lessons learned from the Council of State’s ruling inform future discussions about regional autonomy and its implications for the national legal framework?
Question 1: Can you discuss why you believe that the Council of State’s ruling on differentiated autonomy is a positive step towards constitutional compliance?
Question 2: How do you respond to critics who argue that your attempts at achieving autonomy were detrimental to the integrity of the Italian political system?
Question 3: In light of the Council’s decision, how do you plan to navigate the path forward and ensure that future legislation aligns with constitutional requirements?
Question 4: Some have suggested that the opposition parties will continue to challenge your efforts regarding autonomy. How do you intend to address these concerns and maintain support for your initiatives?
Question 5: Do you see a potential for compromise with center-left regions regarding the implementation of autonomy measures?
Question 6: In the context of the ongoing debate about the referendum, what role do you believe autonomy plays in the future of Italian politics?
Question 7: How do you balance the need for autonomy with the responsibility of maintaining national unity and cohesion within the country?
Question 8: Looking ahead, what steps do you envision taking to ensure the long-term success of your autonomy initiatives?
