The weakened opposition helps (for now) the government – Corriere.it

The implosion of
partnership between Carlo Calenda and Matteo Renzi
contributes to the image of shattered oppositions. Both the covertly dialoguing one of their Third Pole, and the extremist one of the new Pd and the M5S are showing an inadequacy that in the end is not good for anyone. In the immediate perspective, fragmentation favors and strengthens the government of Giorgia Meloni. But the absence of a minority capable of criticizing and credibly opposing the right-wing coalition on the merits of the decisions is destined to weigh ambiguously.

It promises to condition the government itself: in the sense of giving it an illusion of omnipotence, which is always risky. He exposes him to his own contradictions and above all to the temptation to underestimate them, thanks to the parliamentary numbers and the weakness of the opponent. Thus, faced with the implementation of a recovery plan that has to deal with growing obstacles and delays, the coalition finds itself fighting with itself. And the effect, especially for its international reflections, is not the best.

Mediation on appointments in public companies has calmed the clash between the premier and allies Matteo Salvini, leader of the League, and the Berlusconians. However, the distinctions are destined to re-emerge. Both on institutional reforms such as regional autonomy and on presidentialism, there is an exchange pact rather than a convinced understanding. Giorgia Meloni agrees to support the Northern League’s project of differentiated autonomy, desired by the northern regions. But she has strong doubts, also due to the fear of losing votes in the Center and in the South: the same as Forza Italia.

As for Salvini, he supports the presidential project as long as the reform promoted by his minister Roberto Calderoli passes. The more immediate problem, however, is the recovery plan; and in parallel are relations with the EU and NATO due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. On this, the distances remain, beyond the formal acts. When a Northern League supporter like Claudio Borghi attacks the aid received from Europe, the echo is embarrassing. Once the omelette has been made, one must try to put it on the plate in the best possible way: where the omelette would be the money received from the EU.

The recognitions and embrace of Marine Le Pen, the leader of the French right, do not help Salvini. Le Pen attacks NATO and the Atlanticism of Giorgia Meloni, to whom he says he prefers the head of the League, who is closest to her. And the Berlusconi variable remains in the background. According to Calenda, the split that has been incubating for months between him and Renzi therefore appears to be a secondary fact. The majority can only benefit from it. In perspective, however, yet another confirmation of a system in the process of settling.