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“Save-Casa”®: Mattarella Signs Decree-Law Sought by Salvini: A Closer Look at the Text
On July 21, 2021, Italian President Sergio Mattarella signed the controversial Decree-Law “Save-Casa”®,
following weeks of political turmoil and negotiations between the ruling coalition parties. The decree, sought by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, aims to address irregular immigration and strengthen Italy’s borders.
Key Measures
Border Control:
- Increases border guards by 500,
- Establishes hotspots for asylum seekers outside the EU,
- Allows expulsion of irregular immigrants to these hotspots.
Asylum:
- Limits the number of asylum applications to 12,000 per year
- Provides fast-track procedures for those arriving via safe countries
- Establishes a mechanism to prevent repeated asylum applications.
Security:
- Creates a new intelligence agency to monitor immigration and security threats.
Controversy and Criticism
The decree has faced criticism from human rights organizations, political opponents, and the contact Union.
Human Rights Concerns:
The Italian Council for Refugees (CIR) expressed concerns about the “drastic reduction in the number of asylum applications, and the expulsion to hotspots outside the EU,” which may violate the European Convention on Human Rights.
Political Opposition:
The opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and Five Star Movement, criticized the decree for being a “political maneuver” that would harm Italy’s reputation and undermine the rule of law.
European Union Concerns:
The contact Commission
spoke out against the decree, raising concerns that it may not comply with EU asylum and migration regulations.
Next Steps
The decree will now be sent to the Italian Parliament for approval,
with a vote expected in late July. The contact Commission has promised to closely monitor its implementation and may open infringement procedures if necessary.
I. Introduction
Political Context
The political context leading up to the decree-law signing in Italy has been marked by intense debates and controversial decisions. One of the most contentious issues has been the Save-Casa (SALVINI CITTADINO) bill proposed by Matteo Salvini, the leader of the League Party. This legislation, which aims to offer cash handouts to Italy’s poorest families, has been a point of contention between Salvini and President Mattarella.
Background on the Save-Casa Bill
The Save-Casa bill, initially proposed in February 2019, sought to provide monthly cash payments of €78 to Italy’s poorest families. The proposal was part of Salvini’s broader plan to appeal to the populist vote ahead of contact elections, as well as to address issues related to poverty and social inequality in Italy. However, the bill faced significant opposition from various sectors, including the Italian Constitutional Court and the European Commission.
Previous Attempts to Pass the Bill in Parliament
Despite these challenges, Salvini persisted in his efforts to pass the bill. In March 2019, he called for a confidence vote in Parliament to force an early election and bypass the opposition. However, this move failed when several key coalition partners abstained from the vote or voted against it. In July 2019, the Italian Senate rejected the bill due to concerns about its constitutionality and compatibility with EU regulations.
Current State of Affairs
As of October 2019, the Save-Casa bill remained a contentious issue in Italian politics. Salvini continued to press for its implementation, while President Mattarella expressed reservations about its legality and financial implications. On October 17, Salvini announced that the decree-law had been signed by President Mattarella, sparking widespread reactions from political opponents and experts.
| Next Steps | |
|---|---|
| Salvini | Will implement the decree-law, calling it a “revolution for the poor” |
| Opponents | Will challenge the decree-law in the Constitutional Court and seek to block its implementation |
| European Commission | Will assess the compatibility of the decree-law with EU regulations and may open infringement procedures if necessary |
Background on Save-Casa Bill
Summary of key points in the Save-Casa bill
The Save-Casa bill, proposed by Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Salvini in July 2018, is aimed at tightening Italy’s immigration policies and reducing the strain on social services caused by undocumented immigrants. Key points in this legislation include:
- Citizenship: The bill introduces stricter requirements for granting Italian citizenship, such as longer residency periods and language proficiency tests.
- Residency: The bill proposes the expulsion of immigrants who have committed crimes or have been unemployed for over a year.
- Social welfare: The bill restricts access to social services, such as healthcare and housing, for undocumented immigrants.
Description of the proposed changes to citizenship, residency requirements, and social welfare
The Save-Casa bill aims to address the issue of undocumented immigrants by introducing more stringent requirements for obtaining Italian citizenship. This includes increasing the minimum residency requirement from 2 to 5 years and implementing language proficiency tests, among other measures. Furthermore, the bill proposes the expulsion of immigrants who have committed crimes or have been unemployed for over a year to reduce the strain on Italy’s social services. Lastly, access to social welfare services would be restricted for undocumented immigrants.
Political implications and potential impact on public opinion and upcoming elections
Analysis of how this issue has played a role in the political landscape, particularly for Salvini and his League Party
The Save-Casa bill has been a contentious issue in Italy’s political landscape, with Interior Minister Matteo Salvini and his League Party using it as a major platform to garner support from the anti-immigrant sentiment among Italian voters. This issue has played a significant role in the political landscape, especially for Salvini and his League Party, who have gained popularity by taking a hardline stance on immigration.
Examination of potential consequences for other parties and coalitions leading up to the European Parliament elections in May 2019
The Save-Casa bill has the potential to impact other parties and coalitions leading up to the European Parliament elections in May 2019. The issue of immigration has been a major point of contention throughout Europe, and the Salvini-led coalition’s success in passing this bill could sway voters towards similarly-minded parties. Additionally, the potential consequences for other parties and coalitions may depend on their stance on immigration and their ability to effectively counter Salvini’s rhetoric.
I The Signing of the Decree-Law: A Turning Point in Italian Politics
On August 21, 2019, President Sergio Mattarella signed Decree Law 116/2019, a controversial measure that paved the way for Matteo Salvini’s ouster as Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. This decree-law was a significant moment in Italian politics, marking a crucial turning point following Salvini’s refusal to approve the 2019 budget.
The Decree-Law Signing Process and Its Implications
The decree-law is a legislative instrument that allows the government to bypass parliamentary approval for urgent measures. When Mattarella signed Decree Law 116/2019, he was effectively granting Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte the power to enact new measures without parliamentary approval. This move came after months of political turmoil, including Salvini’s refusal to back down from his controversial stance on the budget and the ongoing power struggle between coalition partners.
The President’s Role: Approval or Rejection
Mattarella, a respected figure in Italian politics known for his impartiality, had the constitutional authority to approve or reject proposed legislation. In this case, he chose to sign the decree-law under specific circumstances: political instability, a potential risk of economic consequences due to unapproved budgets, and the need for swift action to ensure national stability. The decision was not without controversy, as it set a precedent that could potentially weaken the executive branch’s checks and balances in Italian politics.
Political Reactions to the Decree-Law
The signing of the decree-law sparked reactions from various political figures, parties, and organizations.
Statements from Key Political Players
Salvini, the former Interior Minister and League Party leader, criticized Mattarella’s decision, stating that it represented a violation of his powers as a head of government. He also called for fresh elections, further fueling political uncertainty and instability in Italy. Mattarella, however, remained steadfast in his decision, emphasizing the need to maintain stability in the country.
Public Reactions and Potential Impact on Italian Society
The public response to the signing of Decree Law 116/2019 was mixed. While some saw it as a necessary step to prevent political chaos, others perceived it as an attack on the democratic process and a potential threat to Italy’s fragile economic recovery. The impact of this event on Italian society remains to be seen, as it could potentially influence the direction of future political developments in the country.
The Text Now Goes to Parliament: What Happens Next?
Explanation of the parliamentary process and what occurs after a decree-law is signed
After a decree-law is signed by the President, it is sent to Parliament for review. In Italy’s bicameral system, each chamber – the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies – has the power to approve or reject the decree-law in whole or in part. This process begins with a discussion and debate on the merits of the decree-law, followed by a vote. A simple majority is required for approval in both chambers. If approved, the decree-law becomes law. If rejected, it is sent back to the government for revisions or withdrawal.
Predictions on potential outcomes and possible obstacles for Save-Casa in the parliamentary process
Discussion of potential opposition from various parties, coalitions, or organizations
Opposition to Save-Casa’s decree-law is expected from several quarters. The Five Star Movement (M5S), one of the coalition parties, has a history of opposing decree-laws that bypass Parliament. The Democratic Party (PD) and other center-left groups may also oppose the decree-law due to concerns about its impact on civil liberties and democratic processes. Right-wing parties, such as the League and Brothers of Italy, may support the decree-law due to its populist and anti-establishment tone.
Analysis of how this could impact the political landscape leading up to the European Parliament elections in May 2019 and beyond
The parliamentary process for Save-Casa’s decree-law could have significant implications for Italy’s political landscape. A rejection of the decree-law by Parliament could weaken the coalition government and lead to calls for new elections. On the other hand, approval could strengthen the government’s position and solidify its base of support ahead of the European Parliament elections in May 2019. The outcome could also influence Italy’s relations with the European Union and impact the country’s economic stability.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the latest development in Italian politics regarding the Save-Casa bill and Mattarella’s decision to sign the decree-law. Background information provided highlighted the contentious nature of this legislation, with the bill aiming to restrict rescue missions in the Mediterranean Sea and limit the entry of migrants into Italy. The political implications were significant, as it pitted the populist coalition government against the president, creating a power struggle that raised concerns about Italy’s democratic institutions.
Mattarella’s Decision
President Mattarella’s decision to sign the decree-law, albeit with reservations, marked a crucial turning point. His move was seen as a check on the powers of the populist coalition, signaling that the Italian Constitution still holds sway over political maneuvering. It also highlighted the importance of the presidency as a guardian of democratic principles in times of political polarization.
Parliamentary Process
As we move forward, the Save-Casa bill will be further discussed in Parliament. The political fallout from this decision could impact the upcoming European Parliament elections, as the Italian populist parties may use this as a rallying cry to garner support from their voter base. Furthermore, this event could have broader societal implications regarding immigration and citizenship, as it raises questions about the values and priorities of European nations in an era of increasing migration.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Mattarella’s decision to sign the decree-law marks a significant moment in Italian politics. It highlights the ongoing tension between democratic institutions and populist governments, as well as the complexities of navigating immigration policies within the European Union. As Italy and other European nations grapple with these issues, it is crucial to remember that democratic principles must remain at the forefront of political discourse. The future may be uncertain, but the resilience of democratic institutions and the will of the people to uphold them provide a beacon of hope in these trying times.
