Following the video links with the parliaments of Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Germany and Israel, President Zelensky of Ukraine will also address the Italian chambers meeting in Montecitorio from Kyiv, a speech made in accordance with the previous ones, promises to be tough on how tough the conflict is tearing his country apart, and passionate, likely accompanied by a call to do more to defend Ukraine. In the late morning Elisabetta Casellati, Roberto Fico, Prime Minister Mario Draghi, the Ukrainian ambassador Yaroslav Melnyk and parliamentarians will listen to him. However, not all. Some will actually miss the appointment, either because they are in open controversy with the initiative or, more covertly, to mark a personal distinction regarding the position of Italy and its main political parties on the war. Ukrainian sources reportedly raised concerns about the risks of an isolated protest against Zelenskyy during some contacts with parliamentary factions. Montecitorio is preparing to host the virtual meeting in a tense climate, certainly weighed down by escalating fighting and the death toll, but also conditioned by internal political debate over Rome’s steps so far. Parliamentarians from Alternativa, a group that emerged from the movement’s exiles, announce they will not attend the meeting with Zelenskyy, which is being defined as “a stretch” and “a marketing campaign.” “Solidarity” with Ukraine “does not mean having to support propaganda aimed at raising the bar on incessant calls for wartime interventions such as the nofly zone or the deployment of troops that would mean official entry into a Ukraine for Italy and Europe would mean “world conflict”, their position. In the galaxy of former pentastellates, the absences don’t stop there. Senator Nicola Morra says he will be “off to work” tomorrow. Colleagues Elio Lannutti and Paola Nugnes are still unsure. Emanuele Dessì, now in the Communist Party, will leave the association, as will Gianluigi Paragone, who founded Italexit. Then there’s Bianca Laura Granato (Mixed), who caught the eye of the storm for supporting the need for Vladimir Putin’s intervention in relation to the Italian Parliament. In the chamber, FaciamoEco’s position is diversified, allowing members to decide independently. Andrea Cecconi, for example, has chosen not to go to the chamber. The M5s will lack MPs Enrica Segneri, Davide Serritella (“for other commitments that have been fixed for some time”) and Vincenzo Presutto. The latter explains that he “supports” Zelenskyj’s intervention, but cannot participate for organizational reasons. According to his forecast, there could be “several failures of the same kind. At least a few more, say the wellinformed. “It’s good to listen to Zelenskyy, but there must be constant pressure for a solution at international level,” said Giuseppe Conte. The league, which announces itself as present en bloc along with chairman Matteo Salvini, could be missing some elected officials, including Senator Simone Pillon: he is on a mission in London but has also expressed “strong doubts” about the event. In FI they are indicated as absent Veronica Giannone and Matteo Dall’Osso: “Personal positions”, comment from the group. There shouldn’t be any distinction in FdI, which will listen to the intervention of the Ukrainian President. As well as the following secretary Enrico Letta. The lack of participation by some MPs in the meeting was described as “serious”: “You certify a political closeness to those who are devastating Ukraine,” MP Alessia Rotta points with a finger. In LeU, everyone is expected to be present. The secretary of the Italian Left, Nicola Fratoianni, will be in Montecitorio but reiterates that “our country’s decision to send arms” was a “mistake”. After the short speeches by the Presidents of the Chambers and Senates, Prime Minister Draghi will also speak. That the next day he will be back in Montecitorio and at Palazzo Madama to communicate in view of the next European Council, a crucial appointment which will determine in the context of the ongoing conflict the EU’s next steps in terms of humanitarian, sanctioning and energy front.
