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FLORENCE MAYOR MATTEO Renzi is to be nominated Italy’s youngest-ever premier Monday after a daring power grab which has been welcomed by investors but left analysts quizzing whether he has the political maturity to succeed.
As head of the leftist Democratic Party, Renzi engineered the ouster of his predecessor Enrico Letta — a member of his own party — accusing him of failing to live up to reform pledges in his stormy 10 months in government.
The 39-year-old will have to move quickly to form a new government once he gets the mandate from President Giorgio Napolitano as expected at 0930 GMT, and then deliver his promise to lead Italy “out of the quagmire”.
“He desperately needs figures of excellence (in the cabinet), new ones if possible,” editorialist Gian Antonio Stella wrote in the best-selling Corriere della Sera daily.
The previous coalition of the Democratic Party, the centrists and the New Centre-Right party is expected to remain intact even though the leader of the latter, Angelino Alfano, has warned this is “not a given”.
The New Centre-Right is a minor partner in the coalition but its votes would be critical for Renzi as he does not have a majority in parliament.
“Speed is part of Renzi’s personality” but “the creation of such a team is no easy task”, political watcher Federico Geremicca said in La Stampa, while the Corriere said the future PM may have underestimated “the nature and complexity of the problems to be resolved.”
If he succeeds in forming the government, Renzi would then have to return to Napolitano for his nomination to be confirmed and would then be sworn into office.
Analysts say the whole process could take a few days.
The energetic and web-savvy Renzi has no previous experience in national government or parliament and is seen by many as having the right kind of outsider credentials for the job.
But his critics warn he risks failing to pull together a fresh, credible cross-coalition cabinet or burning out rapidly.
“The Matteo Renzi era begins today. Whether it will be long or fleeting, destined to change Italy or end up a mere a power play, we cannot know,” political analyst Stefano Folli wrote in Italy’s Il Sole 24 Ore financial daily.
Many people seem willing to give him the benefit of the doubt even though they would have preferred early elections, as long as Renzi delivers on his promises to combat rampant unemployment and boost growth.
Pic: AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca
- ‘Fonzie’ or ‘The Shining’? -
His on-the-ground local achievements like lowering some taxes, boosting recycling and encouraging innovation are seen as positive signs but analysts say he will now have to prove himself on a much bigger scale.
Renzi is little known internationally but sees himself in the mould of former British prime minister Tony Blair and his “New Labour” programme and his rise is being closely-watched by centre-left parties in Europe.
He would be the youngest serving government leader in the European Union.
His informal style is unusual in Italy’s political world and his prolific use of social media and knack for catchphrases have endeared him to many younger Italians turned off by an ageing political elite.
His leather-and-jeans dress sense have also earned him the nickname “Fonzie” — from the US sitcom “Happy Days” — and his retro sunglasses have been likened to those used by the comedy band “The Blues Brothers”.
But the past few days have cast Renzi in a darker light.
One of his critics in the Democratic Party, Pippo Civati, compared his increasingly bitter feud with Letta to a Western and his operation to unseat Letta to the Jack Nicholson horror classic “The Shining”.
Following his election to the party leadership in December, Renzi had ruled out unseating Letta but did just that on Thursday, when he tabled a motion to senior party members calling for a new government.
The motion was approved with a crushing majority in what appeared to be a stage-managed event that came a day after Letta defiantly vowed not resign and accused his rival of attempting a “palace coup”.
One beneficiary of the internal struggle in the centre-left has been Silvio Berlusconi (above).
The three-time former prime minister has scored political points by accusing Renzi of not behaving democratically, despite having himself been expelled from parliament last year over a tax fraud conviction.
Berlusconi is also involved in three other court cases including for allegedly bribing a senator to join his party, having sex with an underage 17-year-old prostitute and abusing his prime ministerial powers.
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I sincerely hope that the opportunity to brighten these children’s lives will not be spurned.
A little goodwill and imagination on the state’s part is all that’s required.
@Brendan O’Brien: they have oil rich neighbours/’brothers’ surely to help them with all that…
@Veil: Why not Ireland? It would be a great experience for all concerned, Irish as well as Palestinians.
How insular would you like us to be?
@Veil: There is no GAA in those countries, this is been paid for by GAA people and not the state.
But you continue your Palestinian hatred.
Do you have any problems with the Billions the state pays for Ukrainians fleeing war ?
@Brendan O’Brien: if integration was occurring it would be wise decision, until then, I’m afraid I would rather be insular.
@Veil: It’s just a visit: what does ‘integration’ have to with it? Do you ‘integrate’ when you’re on holiday?
@Elliot Alderson: rules are their for a reason; for everyone, and not a select few, to follow…other countries do not bend and break rules for anyone or anything, why should Ireland be an outlier? No hatred, only logic.
@Brendan O’Brien: I most certainly do; I try partake in the countries language, learn about and engrossed myself in their culture.
@Veil: These kids will be playing hurling! That’s not Irish enough for you?
@Veil: They will surely not go back afterwards and leech here.
@Alex: these Palestinian groups trying to pull fast ones…they would sell their granny
@Alex: They would be entitled to apply for asylum. Pretty sure they would be legitimate . least they would be entering legally
@Val O’Connell: and bring their families
@Dr Albert S Meinheimer: exactly. Don’t be guilt tripped into anything Ireland, it is not ours to carry. Certain groups trying to pull fast ones.
@Veil: they are due to stay with Irish host families, play GAA, visit Croke Park. How much more integration do you expect in a two-week trip?
@JoeJoe Kilbride: Mother of wounded Gaza child pleads to reunite family in Ireland’ rte news.
Before we know, their families be joining, after the 2 weeks, that is..
@Veil: you’re a selfish dope
@Alex: what have you & your spawn ever done for this country except leach?
@Veil: great and one of them would be better than 100 of your type
@Brendan O’Brien: ursella said NO
Clubs up & down the country have been fundraising and gathering donations of the necessary equipment for this to go ahead. Many many people are invested to varying degrees with it. It seems like a very deliberate obfuscation to generate a particular outcome, not a great look!!!
@Mindful Muinteoir: NO BRAINER……let them in to have a wee taste of normality well away from the atrocities in their homeland
@Mindful Muinteoir: send the donations over, more beneficial if anything.
@Mary Linton: surely their rich neighbours could step in and help?
@Veil: & I’m sure they do their bit……this isn’t a competition—– wee waifs getting a week or two respite away from death & destruction—- what’s NOT to like.???….. no doubt the vast majority of Irish citizens will be welcoming for the poor kids
@Veil: I don’t mind the children and their parents or guardians coming over for a week or two as long as they all return home.
@Maire Hicks: that’s the thing Marie, will they…give an inch, take a mile…
@Veil: I know but that’s the chance we’re taking, hopefully it is just a holiday for these children and not some underhanded tactic that will play on people’s heart strings, I would personally be in agreement with alot of your comments. It’s nice to do the right thing in any situation but sometimes you need to be realistic would be my attitude in general.
@Maire Hicks: If 33 Palestinian children were granted asylum here how does that affect you or anyone else on this island? (I’ve omitted the mentors because you didn’t mention them, adults are a different argument)
@Maire Hicks: Jayzis you’re as bad as your man Veil except he doesn’t pretend to care
@Peeta Griffin: you think you care and don’t realise you’re only pretending. It makes you feel good. When you grow up you will understand that many decisions we make don’t make us feel good. They may even make us feel bad. Welcome to the big bad earth my alien friend.
@Peeta Griffin: he stirs the pot and she joins in as the voice of (bigoted) reason, two sides of the one coin
@Mindful Muinteoir: GAa are minted, look at money making from concerts aline, or selling put to allow Muslims walk and pray to their God on our hallowed ground. There should be zero need for fundraising
The organisers have not filled in documentation properly, funny only for the older children, also the host families have of yet have not done Garda vetting..which is major no no, regarding vulnerable children,not a great track record.
These children could so easily be trafficked here..
Rules or there for us all.
what a country they let thousands of unvetted males into the country god only knows their backgrounds yet they can not find away to let a group of children into the country on a holiday a badly needed holiday at that unbelievable.
@Damo Whelan: why is Ireland trying to be the saviour of the world? Surely their ‘brothers’/ neighbours can give them a chance in life?? Rich oil countries n all that…
@Damo Whelan: honestly cannot see how the actions of this government on this matter can be seen as anything other than a massive own goal. Please God these little tykes arrive here & enjoy the bit of wee respite.
@Veil: European countries seem hell bent on repeating the same mistakes of France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands. These people are incompatible with our culture.
@Veil: Repeating you bs, this is a GAA club that raised the money.
@Damo Whelan: they can easily navigate with an explosive belt to destroy the “kuffars”.
@Johnny frankson: Funny that , their guilt trips over how they treated Jews of Europe for several hundred years (UK and Russia / USSR too) is why we have the mess that is Israel and Palestine and the blind support of Israel and toleration of their illegal land grabbing .
It is Europeans and Americans and their culture of imperialism and expansion and greed for oil in the middle east , is why that place is still a problem
Hope their lucks turns soon to get that break they very much deserve. Unlike the luck of those 8 children killed while queuing for supplements in central gaza this morning. IDF… the world’s proudest army? I wonder how they sleep. They (idf) must be nervous of a future court appearance in The Hague if a breakthrough in this ceasefire happens.
@j m m: There’s a reason why Israel lets no international journalists into Gaza and murders the Palestinian ones.
If they were going to ipas centres the government would have no problem , the question is are they being blocked by Ireland for israel
Fair play to the Dubs.
Are Zionists now in total control of Ireland too
@Kevin O Brien: no only logic thinking people
Once again, thanks to the Irish Immigration service for doing your job. Don’t be bullied into something that is not right.
@Veil: Wtf are you on about ? Your hatred of Palestinians is spewing over here all over this article. I suppose you’re a Zionist supporter.
@Veil: How can it not be right to brighten the lives of children?
You need to take a good look at yourself.
@Elliot Alderson: wow, rein in your bile there son, no need to attack me, I am entitled to my opinion as much as you are to yours. Do not put words in my mouth either.
@Veil: I’ve seen enough….. “I hear you’re a racist now Father” …. and muted.
@Veil: How do you know the Irish immigration services’ decision is not politicaly motivated or erroneous? After all the trip organisers and participants claim that they have supplied all necessary paperwork? Knowing Irish bureaucracy it is not unthinkable that they messed up.
@Elliot Alderson: educate yourself child.
@Brendan O’Brien: tell them about santa and the tooth fairy whilst they’re here. This is virtue signalling and feeling good about yourself gone overboard.
These kids will have to back to Gaza. Your warm cosy feeling will fade away and life will continue.
@offside again: They’re from the West Bank, not Gaza, you eejit. You can’t even be bothered to read about them.
I would like them to feel good for a while. How come that is impossible for you to understand? Why don’t you join the human race?
@Brendan O’Brien: my bad but whatever, my point stands.
@Veil: Loving the like ratio between your comment & the responses to it. Says it all really.
@Mindful Muinteoir: lest not forget the 3 innocent men who were slaughtered in Sligo, one whom luckily survived, because of their sexual preference, based on someone’s ideology and beliefs. Teach well Muinteoir.
Don’t be guilt tripped into anything Ireland, it is not ours to carry. Certain groups trying to pull fast ones.
‘Mother of wounded Gaza child pleads to reunite family in Ireland’ rte news.
And so it begins…
@Veil: Open door policy , for one and all..
@Veil: said it before, say it again; give an inch, take a mile.. good luck Ireland.
that’s the thing Johnny, they’ll all be bawling and ripping when their future generations of female relatives and other minority groups are under oppression. I’m thinking of the bigger picture, and the future, here…but maybe these errors need to be made for evolution…
Hope you’re not flaying em over British airspace?. Best have the F 35’s & Typhoons on rapid action alert
You’d wonder who the parents are. Sure we’re a great nation of eejits. I’m sure the majority of the kids came from good parents but what about the very minority others that didn’t!
Let the rich arab countries support Palestinian families .. immigration officials enforce the law ..stop being a soft touch
Em
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