Berlusconi in Rome as Draghi continues battle for coalition

Berlusconi arrives in Rome

  ROME - As his second round of consultations with party leaders began on Tuesday morning, Prime Minister designate Mario Draghi announced his plans for reforms for his eventual government, including on migrants and the EU’s recovery fund.  

  Among the Eurocentric proposals of his “mini-minifesto”, as Il Messaggero reports, is a return to the immigration policies of Conte’s first coalition. Draghi has also promised a no to flat tax.

  In anticipation of Draghi’s meeting with Forza Italia on Tuesday afternoon, Silvio Berlusconi arrived in Rome on Tuesday morning with the intention of leading his party’s consultation himself, having not made a political appearance in Rome since the start of the pandemic, which he has spent in his villa in the south of France. 

  The 5 Star Movement (M5S), despite party leaders last week expressing support for Draghi, will on Wednesday and Thursday conduct an online vote on the party’s website, Rousseau,  giving the 100,000 members the chance to decide on the party’s support for Draghi, which, if revoked, will be a huge blow to Draghi’s coalition. Without the support of M5S, the Prime Minister designate will most likely be forced to rely on the support of the other largest party, the right-wing League, if he is going to get a majority, political commentators have said. 

  Matteo Salvini, the secretary of the traditionally eurosceptic League, is discussing his party’s possible support for the EU’s recovery fund and migrant policies, which Draghi is likely to back, though this is causing upset among the more strictly anti-Europe MPs.

  The consultations on Tuesday will also include discussions with Italia Viva, Fratelli d'Italia, the Democratic Party and M5S. Draghi will continue to fight to secure votes for his coalition, with many roles in his cabinet still up for grabs.

Mario Draghi