by Francesco Rosano
The deputy prime minister and secretary of Forza Italia: «When we talk about institutions we must avoid political controversies. To win in Emilia-Romagna we needed to start earlier”
“If there is a desire to dialogue, we are absolutely ready.” Minister Antonio Tajani, deputy prime minister and secretary of Forza Italia, opens a first glimpse of the “republican pact” on the post-flood situation requested by the newly elected president of Emilia-Romagna, Michele de Pascale. After the outcome of the polls, meanwhile, Tajani claims the “rebirth” of Forza Italia and indicates to the allies the mistakes not to be made again: “The choice of Elena Ugolini was positive, but we need to leave in time. Battles are won in the centre, even in Bologna.”
Minister, while FdI confirmed its leadership in the center-right and the League slipped down, Forza Italia increased the absolute votes in the Regionals and doubled the percentages of 2020. Is this the beginning of a rebirth?
«Absolutely yes, with the necessary proportions in Emilia-Romagna the result coincides with the national one. We confirmed ourselves as the second center-right party, the third at national level. Emilia-Romagna is a region where a lot of work needs to be done, but it seems to me that the results are starting to be seen. In Parma we had an extraordinary 12% in the city, but in Bologna the result was also positive. Pietro Vignali and Valentina Castaldini in the Region will provide a constructive, intelligent, concrete opposition and this will allow us to make the party grow further.”
However, the result of the coalition cannot leave you satisfied. Where did he go wrong?
«In Emilia-Romagna we know the situation. The left, excluding the Guazzaloca case, has always been very strong. He has always had a robust rooting, with a very widespread use of power. This has an impact on the administrative vote. We chose a candidate who was not a party member and who could bring together different worlds, but victories are also built over time. The left won, chapeau, but for the future I ask that starting from the role of Forza Italia we can build a proposal focusing on civic lists, the Catholic world and cooperation, a world we look at carefully. It is no coincidence that I celebrated May 1st in Bagnacavallo with Confcooperative. We also look carefully at cooperative credit banks, artisans, traders and VAT numbers to grow our consensus, but strong work is needed to tighten the ties of our organization. Soon I will announce a series of initiatives to the Forza Italia National Council to strengthen our presence in the area.”
With hindsight I would haveand preferred another candidacy to Elena Ugolini? Maybe a more well-known face or a political figure?
«More than anything, I think we needed to start well in advance. In Emilia-Romagna perhaps we decided on the candidacy too late, but it has proven to be a model: a moderate civic body from the Catholic area which has nevertheless begun the work of change in Emilia-Romagna. I think Ugolini’s choice is positive, now she too will have to be part of the construction of a new season. But we have to do it starting now, prepare a candidate well in advance. This has always been a stronghold of the left, to conquer it a long-term strategy is needed. It takes years to build the alternative.”
The first big challenge ahead, in about two years, is that for the Municipality of Bologna. Will you insist on a civic profile or do the centre-right parties have marketable names?
«Political battles are always won at the center. In Bologna it will be necessary to find a candidate who can gather consensus beyond the centre-right, even in the former Christian Democrat and former socialist electorate which does not recognize itself in the increasingly left-wing policies of the Pd and M5S. We need to find another Guazzaloca, prepare the ground in advance also in Bologna. We will be even more present in the area, we will start with the newly elected representatives and the members of the lists who have allowed us to make a leap forward to also look to the Bologna elections with optimism.”
Meanwhile, in the Region the new president Michele de Pascale is asking for a “republican pact” on the post-flood situation with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the government. Enough political controversy, joint work. Do you agree?
«The controversies must be archived, we must rebuild. We are available to discuss and dialogue to give concrete answers to the citizens of Emilia-Romagna. I hope that there are no more controversies and that the new president of Emilia-Romagna also contributes to turning what he said into reality.”
Does the Prime Minister agree?
«Meloni is always available for dialogue and correct institutional relations. When we talk about institutions we must avoid political controversies between the opposition and the majority and even de Pascale, as president of the Region, represents an institution and not a party”.
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In the context of De Pascale’s emphasis on institutional neutrality, how can regional leaders effectively represent the diverse interests and needs of their constituents without compromising their own political beliefs?
Here’s a thematic breakdown of the provided text with open-ended questions designed to encourage discussion and diverse viewpoints:
**Section 1: Institutional Relations & Political Neutrality**
* **Text:** “De Pascale underlines the importance of correct institutional relations and avoiding political controversies. He emphasizes that as President of the Region, he represents an institution, not a party.”
* **Questions:**
* To what extent should regional leaders prioritize institutional neutrality over party allegiances?
* How do you balance representing the interests of your political party with the needs of all citizens in a region?
* Can true political neutrality exist in a polarized political climate?
* What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of a strong emphasis on institutional relations?
* How can we ensure that institutions remain effective and trustworthy, regardless of the political climate?
**Section 2: Role of the President & Regional Development**
* **Text:** (Although not explicitly stated, the overall context suggests De Pascale’s perspective on his role in regional development)
* **Questions:**
* What are the key challenges facing the Emilia-Romagna region, and what role should the regional president play in addressing them?
* How can regional development strategies be effectively implemented while balancing diverse local interests?
* What is the importance of collaboration with local communities and stakeholders in shaping regional policies?
* What are some innovative approaches to economic growth and sustainable development that could be implemented in the region?
**Section 3: Communication & Transparency**
* **Text:** (Implied through the emphasis on clear communication and avoiding controversy)
* **Questions:**
* How can regional leaders effectively communicate their agendas and policies to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability?
* What role should traditional media, social media, and direct communication play in this process?
* How can regional leaders build trust and credibility with citizens from diverse backgrounds and political viewpoints?
* What strategies can be used to address misinformation and ensure that accurate information is widely available?
**General Discussion Points:**
* Consider the specific context of Emilia-Romagna. How do the region’s historical, economic, and social factors shape the challenges and opportunities discussed in the article?
* Compare and contrast De Pascale’s perspective with other political leaders in Italy or on the international stage.
* Analyze the implications of De Pascale’s views for democratic governance and the relationship between citizens and their representatives.
Remember, these are just starting points. Encourage participants to share their own experiences, perspectives, and connections to the topics raised in the article.
