Brussels, 17/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - After forcing the resignation of former prime minister of Italy Enrico Letta - following what some define as an internal overthrow in the Democratic party (see EUROPE 11019) - the party's current secretary general and mayor of Florence, Matteo Renzi, accepted “with reservation”, on Monday 17 February, the mission entrusted him by head of state Giorgio Napolitano of forming a new government, which he hopes to lead until the end of the current parliamentary term in 2018, without needing new elections (64% of Italians polled said they were opposed to the electorate being bypassed in this way).
Renzi wants to move quickly. He has given himself until the end of the week to form a solid team of 18 ministers which will be well regarded in Europe, and which can obtain the support of the two chambers next week (the names of Fabrizio Barca or Pier Carlo Padoan are being cited for the Economy, Anglelino Alfano for Home Affairs, Emma Bonino for Foreign Affairs, Tito Boeri for Employment, and Federica Mogherini could replace Enzo Moavero Milanesi for European Affairs). Renzi will nevertheless have to reach agreement with the opposition parties, as well as some of his allies - the New Centre Right (NCD) of the former deputy prime minister and ex-protegé of Silvio Berlusconi, Angelino Alfano, who has already said that he does not want an imbalanced government towards the Left and the Left Ecology Freedom (SEL) of Nichi Vendola, which excludes any alliance with the NCD. If he succeeds, Renzi wants to accelerate reforms of the institutions and new electoral law in February; the labour market (the “real priority”) in March; the public administration in April; and taxation in May. The markets have generally reacted well to Renzi's appointment, with interest rates on Italian debt moderated and a BTP/German Bund spread contained at 193 points. Former prime minister of the UK, Tony Blair, has called on European leaders for “close support for Matteo when he assumes responsibility for the future of his country”. (FG/transl.fl)