Ronzulli: “No U-turn on Ceuta. Vannacci? He’s already in the opposition”

Borders, Vannacci, elections. Now even the European Union is trying to mediate in the Ceuta case: isn’t the fuss over the suspension of the Schengen Agreement being blown out of proportion? “Not at all,” says Licia Ronzulli. “Thousands of people attempting to swim across are proof that irregular migration remains a real threat to Europe’s borders.” But the Mediterranean lies between the exclave and Spain. “So illegal migrants aren’t reaching us? That’s your claim. We need to be realistic: the government has acted with a great sense of responsibility in securing the nation. No knee-jerk reactions. Minister Tajani has made it clear: we stand in solidarity with Spain, but we cannot pretend that certain political choices, such as those made by Sánchez on asylum, have no consequences. Diplomatic channels with Madrid remain open at all times; we are pressing ahead with the Mattei Plan for Africa; we are demonstrating that we can manage the migration phenomenon firmly and without ideological bias. Anyone who downplays the seriousness of the problem is playing into the hands of human traffickers.”

Yet the rivalry on the right shows no sign of abating either: speaking again to "Il Foglio", Vannacci has given this government a thumbs-down. “It doesn’t surprise me,” retorts the Forza Italia senator. “Vannacci systematically votes against the government’s initiatives, through his MPs who were, after all, elected with other majority parties. Let’s reflect on that, if anything.” So no agreement on the horizon with Futuro Nazionale? “The centre-right remains an alliance of shared values and proposals: we are not an electoral cartel set up to win votes. Which is what Vannacci would like, when he says that alliances only become apparent in the run-up to the polls. My answer is a resounding no. Only those who wish to deceive the public resort to such ploys to secure positions – just look at what happened with the ‘broad coalition’.” Vannacci also says he will not back down one millimetre. “If he imposes red lines that distort the nature of the coalition, then we’re out. We’re open to dialogue with everyone, but never at the cost of selling out our soul and identity. As Forza Italia, we represent the liberal, Atlanticist, pro-European and rights-based camp. We don’t want to become a motley crew. Our loyalty to the Italian people is also at stake.”

What do you mean? “I remember a phrase that Prime Minister Berlusconi always used to say: citizens must know on the evening of the vote who will be governing. It’s a matter of transparency. And today we have a good electoral law, which guarantees stability and governability: if it passes in October, at second reading, it’s a law that won’t allow for backroom deals or political manoeuvring.” There are those who would have liked to see more boldness on the issue of preferential voting, not least to counter low voter turnout. “Every law can be improved, of course. However, we’re moving in this direction: there’s a calibrated majority bonus for the winner, and we’ve worked at length on preferences and gender parity to find a compromise. Party leaders will also have a lot to do: I’m thinking of the PD’s opposition, because Schlein would lose the chance to choose her own representatives in Parliament.”

It is certainly an issue. “But you know what? Before the general election, we’ll have a test case called Milan,” Ronzulli emphasises. “With the Sala era over, the race is wide open. It must be handled pragmatically: the city deserves a credible candidate, capable of speaking to the business community. Then there’s a clear issue with security. Housing, transport. We need a good administration that goes beyond slogans. And a candidate who can broaden support: whether civic or political matters little, provided they’re a competent, open-minded person who can appeal to the moderate vote.” Vannacci has put forward his own suggestion here too: another general, Carmelo Burgio. “My father is also a former brigadier in the Carabinieri. And today he said something to me that struck a chord: ‘I wore the Carabinieri uniform for 44 years, but I would never vote for a general as mayor’. There are professions that require different skills. And we cannot repeat the mistakes of the past, dithering and falling apart over the candidate: we need unity and decisiveness. For Milan and for Italy.”