Italian prime minister Enrico Letta and new leader of the Partito Democratico (PD) Matteo Renzi are discussing key issues such as electoral legislation, the so-called jobs act and a government reshuffle, and they appear to be in agreement about the need for swift and decisive action. Letta commented, ‘2014 begins with circumstances in which we can move from a situation of financial emergency to an opportunity to kick-start the country.’ Here is a summary of these key two issues and more.
Electoral legislation: As leader of the PD, Renzi has put forward three models for electoral reform intended to bring political stability and transparency to Italy, and he is now seeking consensus from political parties Forza Italia, Lega Nord and Sinistra Ecologia Libertà. Renzi has Letta’s backing to speed up the procedure and is expected to present the electoral reform to the lower house as early as January 27.
Jobs Act: With approval from the European Union, yet criticised by leading Italian trade union CGIL, the draft jobs act proposed by Renzi involves streamlining employment contracts; creating jobs in the sectors of culture, tourism, farming, information and communications technology, renewable energy, welfare, construction and manufacturing; cutting the regional business tax, known as IRAP, by 10%; reducing energy bills for businesses; providing unemployment benefits for all jobseekers; eliminating permanent public-sector managerial posts; and mandating transparent accounts for public administrations, political parties and trade unions.
Taking the mother’s surname: A law is being drafted to allow parents the choice of giving offspring their mother’s surname or both parents’ names, thus nullifying the current requirement for all children to be given their father’s surname. Both parents must agree to the choice of surname, as recorded on the birth certificate. The new legislation would also apply to children born to unmarried couples and adoptees.
