WTI Magazine #52    2015 January, 23
Author : Francesca Papasergi      Translation by:

It's time. Again. After nine years in charge, Mr. Napolitano resigned on January 14th, and Italy must choose its new Presidente della Repubblica. Some time ago, we already analyzed the President's prerogatives: he's the Armed Forces' commander in chief, he appoints the President of the Council of Ministers, he resolves the Parliament's chambers and promulgates the laws that the Parliament or the government write. Most of all, he represents Italy in official events. 

In these days, Italian people is watching what we call "Toto Quirinale", something that recently became "Romanzo Quirinale", after the name of a populare tv series. Who is going to get the Colle office (the Quirinale Palace is located on the namesake hill)?

A deep knowledge of Constitution, Italian politics and European affairs is mandatory. A well-known political professional is always a good solution, but this time many outsiders are entering the field. Some of them are just joking, or trying to lead a "smiling riot" to make politicians aware of the people's needs, like the veteran tv and social networks' star Giancarlo Magalli. The support he got from common people is so large that they're going to have a flash mob to celebrate the candidacy officially. Some others have been nominated by the parties, but they are not going to accept.

What about women? When it comes to the other half of the sky, the list shortens dramatically: Emma Bonino, one of the Radical Party's leaders, the people's choice in every survey, announced that she has cancer and she can't run. A handful of names is enduring through the parties and journalists' crossfire: Romano Prodi, Giuliano Amato, Stefano Rodotà, Antonio Martino and Gustavo Zagrebelsky. They all have the expertise and the prestige that the office demands.

Good luck with the Parliament.