Vincenzo De Luca Challenges Italian National Government Over Third Term Candidacy
The Governor of Campania defends regional law allowing his third term and criticizes interventions from Rome
In a dramatic confrontation echoing through Italy's political landscape, Vincenzo De Luca, the Governor of Campania, has refused to step back in his quest for a third term.
Despite the Italian national government's challenge to the regional law permitting his candidacy, De Luca remains defiant.
The issue arose when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that the government would seek a ruling from the Constitutional Court regarding the Campanian law.
According to the government, the matter concerns a general principle under state jurisdiction.
Speaking at a packed press conference in Naples, De Luca condemned the government's moves as "contra personam"—targeted specifically against him.
He delivered a combative speech, invoking the famous words of Pope John Paul II, "Do not be afraid," framing his campaign as a fight for the rights of the electorate to choose their leaders freely.
However, these efforts find him at odds not only with the national government but also with the leadership of his party, as Democratic Party Secretary Elly Schlein has openly expressed opposition to his third term.
De Luca criticized the perceived inconsistency in enforcing term limits, pointing to other regions like Veneto, where Governor Luca Zaia is on his third term without challenge, and Piedmont, where similar legislation faces no objection.
"Why only Campania's law?" he questioned, implying a discriminatory application of governance rules.
The political response to De Luca's stance reveals a divided front.
The League supports the idea of regional presidents serving multiple terms, as shown by statements from League Senator Gian Marco Centinaio, who calls for a broader political discussion on the matter.
Conversely, coalition partners Fratelli d'Italia and Forza Italia have advocated for retaining the two-term limit, indicating potential friction within the center-right bloc.
Critics from other political quarters, including moderate and center-left factions, argue against a third term, fearing it would concentrate too much power and likening such a tenure to that of a "vice-royalty." Despite these objections, De Luca appears undeterred, setting the stage for a protracted legal and political battle as the matter heads to Italy's highest court.
Ultimately, the outcome will not only impact the political scene in Campania but also contribute to the broader debate about regional autonomy and governance in Italy.
Despite the Italian national government's challenge to the regional law permitting his candidacy, De Luca remains defiant.
The issue arose when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that the government would seek a ruling from the Constitutional Court regarding the Campanian law.
According to the government, the matter concerns a general principle under state jurisdiction.
Speaking at a packed press conference in Naples, De Luca condemned the government's moves as "contra personam"—targeted specifically against him.
He delivered a combative speech, invoking the famous words of Pope John Paul II, "Do not be afraid," framing his campaign as a fight for the rights of the electorate to choose their leaders freely.
However, these efforts find him at odds not only with the national government but also with the leadership of his party, as Democratic Party Secretary Elly Schlein has openly expressed opposition to his third term.
De Luca criticized the perceived inconsistency in enforcing term limits, pointing to other regions like Veneto, where Governor Luca Zaia is on his third term without challenge, and Piedmont, where similar legislation faces no objection.
"Why only Campania's law?" he questioned, implying a discriminatory application of governance rules.
The political response to De Luca's stance reveals a divided front.
The League supports the idea of regional presidents serving multiple terms, as shown by statements from League Senator Gian Marco Centinaio, who calls for a broader political discussion on the matter.
Conversely, coalition partners Fratelli d'Italia and Forza Italia have advocated for retaining the two-term limit, indicating potential friction within the center-right bloc.
Critics from other political quarters, including moderate and center-left factions, argue against a third term, fearing it would concentrate too much power and likening such a tenure to that of a "vice-royalty." Despite these objections, De Luca appears undeterred, setting the stage for a protracted legal and political battle as the matter heads to Italy's highest court.
Ultimately, the outcome will not only impact the political scene in Campania but also contribute to the broader debate about regional autonomy and governance in Italy.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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