Italy is experiencing a health crisis with the serious effects of Covid-19 on people's lives and the economy. The pandemic was not enough, political instability imposes itself as an obstacle to the country's future and it is in this context that economist Mario Draghi, former head of the European Central Bank (BCE), which saved the debt-stricken Eurozone, accepted the invitation of the Italian president, Sergio Mattarella, to form a government of national unity after the crisis generated by Conte's resignation, becoming the country's prime minister. Stimulating the stagnant Italian economy is a challenge for politicians who preceded him in office â but ended up disappointing. Like this, he is the best option – a politician with an extraordinary capacity for execution and an excellent international reputation: “Your experience will be an exceptional asset to Italy and Europe as a whole, especially in these difficult timesâ, according to the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
The country is in its worst recession in recent times and Draghi and his team of ministers must face challenges, such as combating the pandemic with the implementation of an effective Immunization Plan and creating active policies to generate employment and specialization of the workforce. In support of these measures, the European Union will offer aid, approximately, 210 billion euros to Italy. In addition to the health crisis, Draghi will need to deal with economic and environmental policies. Regarding the economy, new Minister aims for expansive monetary policies and international cooperation. Regarding the environmental issue, he intends to create a green transition ministry to oppose climate change.
Its future measures may reflect the possible impacts of the EU agreement – Mercosur. How certain member countries of the European bloc were against the agreement, Draghi's statements against human aggression in nature lead us to believe that, despite the scope of monetary and economic expansion, which would be driven by the signing of the agreement, he would follow the prevailing position in his respective block, once, the environmental âmeasuresâ taken by Mercosur member governments, like Brazil, deeply displease the European authorities. Amidst the various impasses in the agreement, Draghi must remain coherent with the European Union, prioritizing the environmental policies of its new government in Italy and following the bloc's demands regarding the environment.
Therefore, the new Italian Prime Minister obtained the Senate's vote of confidence, having 262 votes in favor, for his country reconstruction program, hit by the health and economic crisis, and the promise to fight the pandemic. Like this, left-wing politicians, right and center unite to support the economist and former ECB president's attempt to form a government of national unity and a coalition in Parliament. Hist place, it becomes clear the difficulties that will have to be faced based on their commitment to the country and the Italian population, but positively, Draghi defends in his speech: “a more integrated European Union leading to a common public budget, capable of sustaining member states in periods of recession”. Besides that, It is worth highlighting its commitment to the environment, that goes beyond the internal policies of the country and other Europeans, but which seeks to encompass foreign policy goals, as is the case with the EU agreement – Mercosur.
Bibliographic references
GIUFFRIDA, Angela. New prime minister, Mario Draghi, vows to speed up Italyâs Covid vaccinations. The Guardian, 2021. Available in: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/17/new-prime-minister-mario-draghi-vows-to-speed-up-italys-covid-vaccinations. Access in: 12/04/2021.
LOWEN, Mark. Draghi: call of duty for Italyâs âSuper Marioâ. BBC News, 2021. Available in: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55992264. Access in: 11/04/2021.
MARQUES DA SILVA, Isabel. Draghi seen as âsaviorâ of Italy and the EU. Euronews, 2021. Available in: https://pt.euronews.com/2021/02/15/draghi-visto-como-salvador-de-italia-e-da-ue. Access in: 12/04/2021.
VERDĂ, Daniel. Draghi outlines pro-European and environmentalist reform for Italy in his first major speech as prime minister. The country, 2021. Available in: https://brasil.elpais.com/internacional/2021-02-18/draghi-esboca-reforma-europeista-e-ambientalista-para-a-italia-em-seu-primeiro-grande-discurso-como-premie.html. Access in: 11/04/2021.
Authors: Gabriela Lombardi and Giulia Vanni, NENE-ESPM researchers
