Italy: search for President continues

(Vatican Radio) Italian lawmakers on Friday failed to reach consensus over the election of the country’s next president. The candidate favored by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, constitutional court Justice Sergio Mattarella, has faced resistance from opposition leader Silvio Berlusconi’s center-right coalition.

Prof.  Giorgio Salzano, a political philosopher who taught for many years at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University (and, for Italian readers, author most recently of  Democrazia regale – cristianesimo autorità potere Marsilio ed. 400p), told us the role of President in Italy’s parliamentary system is one that is highly symbolic and potentially influential. “The Italian Republic is a parliamentary republic,” explained Salzano.

“The President,” he continued, “should not have political – in the partisan sense of the term – character, so he should be super partes.” Nevertheless, Salzano went on to say, “The president is endowed with certain powers that, according to the moment, can give to his moral suasion almost a character of directing, giving orientation to public life.”

Chances of reaching consensus could improve on Saturday, when only a simple majority is needed.