The Italian government is seeking to launch a fresh attack on the “fireplace” logic and anti-democratic methods used in negotiations for top jobs through the “conventio ad excludendum” technique. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has chosen the Italian Parliament as the arena to voice his concerns, with an upcoming crucial European council meeting for the future commission’s structure. Meloni is seeking a mandate from the Chambers to secure an important role, possibly as vice president, for Italy.
In contrast to the appointment of former Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni as Commissioner for the Economy in the outgoing European executive by the Democratic Party, Meloni aims to do even better. He references Ursula von der Leyen to highlight the priority placed on combating illegal immigration indicated in her application for a third mandate. Harsh criticism is directed towards European leaders for their handling of negotiations for the new EU executive, which have excluded conservative groups such as his own.
Meloni makes it clear that the right is unwilling to engage with the left and expresses dissatisfaction with the outgoing commission’s ideological rules that penalize farmers and businesses. He emphasizes that agreeing on top jobs does not equate to joining a majority supporting a fragile new European executive. Meloni stresses that national states should have more decision-making power and advocates for a change in European policies based on citizens’ dissatisfaction and growing abstentionism.
The Italian government aims to negotiate a vice-presidency with significant delegation, potentially related to Pnrr (Next Generation EU), at an upcoming summit. However, Meloni’s yes to attend is not guaranteed and could result in a vote in favor of the commission by Fratelli d’Italia group members in Europe.
Meloni touches on tragic events such as Satnam Singh’s death while deploring employers’ conduct and prompting a standing ovation from Chamber members. He also discusses ongoing issues like gangmastering and denounces EU leaders for excluding conservative groups such as his own through “conventio ad excludendum.”
