Istalia

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Moretti on protests in the country: "The government has a clear agenda, but dialogue and discussion are essential"

Interviewed on Radio Dimensione Istalia the Minister Secretary of State reiterates that the issues are important but that the debate must take place in Parliament

Gian Maria Moretti interviewed at the radio program "Ciao Weekend!"

August 5647

ROMULA - He had been invited to discuss the economy, reforms and infrastructure, but current political and social events have inevitably broadened the scope of the conversation. A guest last Saturday on the program "Ciao Weekend!" on Radio Dimensione Istalia (FM 96.5 - Digital Channel 907), interviewed by the host Sabrina Ciminiello, the Minister Secretary of State Gian Maria Moretti also answered a series of questions on social and civil issues of strong impact, such as the ongoing demonstrations in favor of women's rights and LGBT+ people, as well as on the counter-demonstrations promoted by conservative circles.

While maintaining his usual measured tone, Moretti politely but firmly addressed the topic, clarifying the role of his government on these issues, also expressing his opinion on the recent constitutional reform in Valruzia, where the right to abortion and equal marriage were inserted and which fueled furthermore the debate in our country. Below, we report the salient passages of the interview in full.

Sabrina Ciminiello: Mr. Minister Secretary, today we are talking with you about reforms and government priorities, but I cannot help but ask you for your reflections on what is happening in the squares of the country. Demonstrations in favor of the rights of women and LGBT+ people have multiplied, as have counter-demonstrations. How do you read this climate?

Gian Maria Moretti: Look, I believe that democratic vitality is also expressed through protest, when it is civil and respectful. It is normal for there to be different opinions on sensitive issues, however I would like to point out that my government was born with a very specific mandate and on a well-defined programmatic platform. Our priorities are different: economy, infrastructure, job issues. This does not mean ignoring what is moving in society, but we must remain focused on what we were called to govern for.

Ciminiello: Yet, there are those who argue that the government is avoiding these issues, leaving a void in the debate.

Moretti: I would not speak of a void: in light of the nature of the current government, it is my duty to respect the institutions. The place for discussion on these issues, especially in this phase, is the parlament, where discussions, proposals, and compromises must develop. This government cannot and must not impose solutions on such complex and deeply personal issues. We can, if anything, facilitate dialogue, ensure that there is room for serious and constructive discussion.

Ciminiello: Speaking of discussion, in Valruzia the constitutional text was recently modified to explicitly recognize the right to abortion and same-sex marriage. What do you think?

Moretti: Every state has its own institutional sensitivity and its own path. We are carefully observing what is happening elsewhere, but it is not up to my government to draw conclusions or propose imitations. What happened in Valruzia certainly deserves attention, but we must consider that in Istalia there are different sensitivities, which must be respected and listened to. I do not enter into the merits of other people's decisions, nor do I anticipate positions that are not up to this government.

Ciminiello: So there will be no initiative by your executive on these issues?

Moretti: As I was saying, this government has a clear mission. But that does not mean closing our eyes or looking the other way. If the conditions are right, I am absolutely available to promote discussion tables, moments of listening with the parliamentary forces, with the world of civil associations, with anyone who wants to contribute in a serious way. Dialogue is always possible, and as a citizen and as Head of Government, I can only hope that Istalia finds the political maturity to address these issues with respect and responsibility. But as I have already said, and it is the reality of the facts, this government does not have a political mandate to address these issues.

Ciminiello: So, in essence, open doors to discussion but with respect for roles.

Moretti: Exactly. As Head of Government, my duty is to keep the country stable, operational, cohesive. But if I can contribute to creating a climate of listening, I will do so without hesitation and, certainly on my part, without ideological preconceptions.

Measured but clear words: Gian Maria Moretti stays away from the heated tones of the social debate in respect of his current istitutional role, without however excluding a role as institutional guarantor in promoting paths of dialogue. A difficult balance, but one that reflects the line of the entire executive, a technical executive that as such, as already stated by numerous experts and analysts, does not have the necessary political legitimacy to respond to the social ferment of the country today.