House presidencies, towards agreement: “La Russa in the Senate and Montecitorio in Molinari”

Agreement on the presidencies of the chambers would have been found. After a frantic day, the center-right coalition in the evening – according to reports the republic – would finally find the right place: Ignazio La Russa in the Senate and Riccardo Molinari in Montecitorio.

The centre-right three-party summit scheduled for the afternoon is missing. The meeting in Villa Grande takes place, but without Lega leader Matteo Salvini. Carroccio’s secretary leaves the Chamber of Deputies after the federal council, while premier in pectore Giorgia Meloni meets Berlusconi for an hour and a half in Villa Grande with Ignazio La Russa.

Until the end, the agreement on the presidencies of the Chambers seems not to have been reached and, therefore, not even in the government team. After a day on the roller coaster marked by deals made and then suddenly questioned, not even the face-to-face between the FdI leader and the Cav seems to be able to smooth the edges. Within hours of the convening of Parliament, the situation appears to remain unresolved with the premier in pectore ready to go straight and adopt – really – the “Draghi method”. The meeting with Matteo Salvini before lunch at the Chamber also ends with black smoke.

It is Giancarlo Giorgetti who sums up the impasse at the end of the day, highlighting, between the lines, an agreement that does not yet exist. “There is still tonight, there is still time, but not much,” he said, referring to the center-right summit with the three leaders that was supposed to have taken place to seal the deal. Salvini – after having gathered the Federals of the League – leaves the Chamber, laconic communicates: “I’m going to my girlfriend”. The hypothesis is that the three leaders will see or hear each other tomorrow morning, with the hope that the Sherpas will be able to find the plaza or at least that the night will bring advice to those who remain perched in their positions.

In Villa Grande, by the way, the Ronzulli knot cannot be untied. The Cav continues to claim an important dicastery for the faithful, also renewing – for “equal dignity” with the League – the right attribution of Mise. Meloni doesn’t give up, this box will be destined for the Brothers of Italy, with Guido Crosetto ready to lead the ministry in Via Veneto. For Berlusconi, the proposal on tourism is also inadmissible, rather than infrastructure or health for the former deputy. And in the rose elaborated in Zeffirelli’s former residence there is still Antonio Tajani (Foreigner), Anna Maria Bernini (University), Elisabetta Alberti Casellati (Justice) and also a place to meet for Alessandro Cattaneo and Francesco Paolo Sisto. Meloni listens, but it’s a rubber wall and points out all his perplexities, suggesting he’s not willing to give in on the downside. Even the secretary of the Northern League does not back down a millimeter, claiming fundamental boxes such as Economy, Security, Public Works and Autonomy “we know how to do it and with whom to do it”, they assure the party. And for Salvini “it will be an honor”. No resignation, therefore, of either the Ministry of the Interior or the presidency of the Senate, with two names of authority, such as Salvini and Roberto Calderoli. A challenge that Carroccio seeks to soften: “Without veto and without interference on the part of the League: it confirms the determination to find a global agreement and up to the challenges that await Italy”.

After the whirlwind of meetings, the FdI president locks in her office, where the lights stay on until late at night. “He’s optimistic,” she sifts her from inside sources, “and looks forward to the Senate vote tomorrow.” The name that will be proposed for the Senate is Ignazio La Russa, take it or leave the message in a bottle. Montecitorio instead for the Northern Molinari League. Meloni is leading the game and everything else will depend on the outcome of that vote.