Bomb threats: Meloni calls for unity in talks with the opposition
Following cyber-attacks and cyber-threats, the government meets with opposition leaders. Schlein: ‘It’s good to have a discussion, but let’s continue in Parliament.’ Conte: ‘We are fully open to dialogue; it is up to the government to put forward proposals.’
Key points
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whilst meeting with opposition leaders, called for unity amongst all political parties in response to the bomb threats of recent days. During the meeting, Meloni reportedly explained that the gathering was not a substitute for the briefing to Parliament.
Conte: willing to cooperate, but it is up to the government to put forward proposals
‘We are fully prepared to cooperate, but this cannot be our responsibility today, as we do not have any departments or ministries under our control: it is not up to us to put forward proposals; these must come from the government, and we will assess their effectiveness.’ So said M5S leader Giuseppe Conte as he left Palazzo Chigi following his meeting with Giorgia Meloni. Conte then added: “There is no distinction between the majority and the opposition” in such cases; “yesterday the country ground to a halt because of emails. We cannot afford that. We must distinguish between cyber-attacks and cyber-security, which we need to work on. I took the liberty of urging the government to act swiftly. But we need to distinguish between different situations. We need protocols.”
Schlein: debate is fine, but it must continue in Parliament
“It’s good to have this debate, but it must continue in the appropriate forums, which are Parliament and COPASIR,” said the secretary of the PD, Elly Schlein. “We have proposed redirecting some of the resources earmarked for arms towards cyber security.” Azione leader Carlo Calenda echoed this sentiment: “We are under attack. We must be prepared. Starting,” the Prime Minister confirmed, “with the democratic shield.”
Renzi: Meloni should decide who is in charge of this matter
‘Good on the substance, bad on the approach.’ So said Italia Viva leader Matteo Renzi at the end of the meeting at Palazzo Chigi between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the opposition parties, following the bomb threats at schools. ‘The approach is very good – for the first time, Meloni has called on the opposition – but the substance is not quite as good.’ Renzi is asking the Prime Minister to clarify ‘who is in charge of this matter, because it is not clear’.
Those present at the table
Joining Meloni at the table were the leaders of the PD, Elly Schlein; the M5S, Giuseppe Conte; the AVS, Angelo Bonelli and Nicola Fratoianni; Più Europa, Riccardo Magi; Azione, Carlo Calenda; and IV, Matteo Renzi. Edoardo Ziello, the parliamentary group leader in the Chamber of Deputies, is taking part on behalf of Futuro Nazionale.
