The Chamber of Deputies approved the separation of careers on third reading with 243 votes in favor and 109 against. The absolute majority was sufficient to send the bill to the Senate for final consideration, but not to block the referendum, which would have required a two-thirds majority of deputies in favor (at least 267).
In the packed chamber of Montecitorio, tension is palpable from the start: the majority applauds loudly after the vote, while the opposition, claiming the government in the chamber over Gaza, accuses the ministers present of excessive jubilation. When several members of the minority parliament approach the cabinet benches to protest, a brawl erupts: fierce accusations are exchanged and physical contact with some center-right members almost escalates into a fight. The crisis in the Middle East ignites political debate throughout the day, from the case of the two containers of explosives bound for Haifa blocked in the port of Ravenna to the complaint made by AVS MPs about their visas being revoked by Israel. And it is in an already heated climate that the words of Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini from the Northern League explode: commenting on the ongoing operation in Gaza, he states that "Israel has every right to guarantee itself a peaceful future" and claims to be its "best friend in Italy."
Democratic Party Secretary Elly Schlein slams the executive and takes issue with the critical stances toward Israel taken by some center-left local authorities: "Our administrations are doing what the government still isn't doing, taking a clear stance on sanctions against Netanyahu." She's referring to the municipalities of Rimini and Ravenna, but Rome also took action today by raising the Palestinian flag on the Capitoline Hill. The motion approved by the Capitoline Assembly condemns the Israeli army's offensive in Gaza and calls on the Italian government to advocate for respect for human rights in international forums. Following the vote on career separation, the temperature continues to rise in the Chamber of Deputies, where—after a brief recess—the focus has shifted definitively to Gaza.
Center-left MPs protested vehemently ("You're complicit!" shouted Riccardo Ricciardi of the Movement) and returned to surround the government benches, demanding answers about the "genocide," until their representatives were summoned by President Lorenzo Fontana. "We have occupied the Chamber," the Five Star Movement announced after the session was adjourned. "We are not willing to resume work without communications from the government—possibly from Meloni—that would lead to a vote on Gaza," the Democratic Party and the AVS also announced. The outcome: the assembly agenda, which included a vote on the Feast of Saint Francis, was postponed until next week. But the controversy continued, culminating in a heated exchange of accusations between the Five Star Movement and Forza Italia.
Tajani reports threats to government representatives during the brawl. Five Star Movement member Leonardo Donno, in turn, points the finger at FI group leader Paolo Barelli: "He's the one who threatened me." "Serial provocateurs," the Blues reply.
Controversy aside, the government has made a historic day by reaching a milestone in the justice system : "We will continue to work to provide Italians with an increasingly efficient and transparent justice system," said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. "We are completing a journey that began thirty years ago, with President Berlusconi's battles for legal certainty," the Forza Italia leader declared. Meanwhile, Salvini dedicated the milestone to "Enzo Tortora. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio quipped: "For the record, those who believe I'm addicted to alcohol, I'm going to celebrate this beautiful day with a spritz," he quipped at the end of the Chamber's proceedings.
(Unioneonline)