Enrico Costa new Forza Italia group leader in the Chamber of Deputies, takes Barelli's place

Blue MEP Enrico Costa is the new Forza Italia group leader in the Chamber of Deputies. As the only candidate, he was elected by acclamation at the group meeting in Palazzo Montecitorio. He takes the place of Paolo Barelli, whose appointment as Deputy Minister for Relations with Parliament is pending. In the past few days there has also been a change in the Senate, with Stefania Craxi taking over as group leader, replacing Maurizio Gasparri, who in turn became chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Commission of Palazzo Madama.

Barelli's appointment as deputy minister could be made official at the next Council of Ministers meeting, expected to take place on Thursday 16 April and called to complete the mosaic of new government appointments, with some of the undersecretary roles still to be defined. Meanwhile, Costa's election represents a truce for Forza Italia, albeit a fragile one and exposed to the strong currents running through the party. The internal fibrillations can be found in the multiple scenarios bounced around the Transatlantic in the course of the day. For hours, rumours were circulating about different alternatives to the 'Barelli knot'. Scheme B' would have envisaged Azzurra deputy Chiara Tenerini as undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour, with the consequent displacement of the Leghist Claudio Durigon to the MEF. The quid pro quo would then have been the appointment of Federico Freni to Consob, but no role for Barelli. But in the end the solution of a new post of deputy minister 'without portfolio' would seem to satisfy Barelli himself. He has never wanted to give up the presidency of the Italian Swimming Federation, which is not compatible with other positions in ministries 'with portfolio'. The 'azzurro' would therefore flank the two undersecretaries Matilde Siracusano and Giuseppina Castiello. The exit strategy for Barelli and the change in group leadership, however, do not exhaust all the azure agitations. The minority promises not to give up pressing for a 'total reset' in the group bureau, demanding a change even in the roles of deputy vice-president and treasurer.

"I thank Paolo Barelli for his work at the head of the Forza Italia deputies. Concrete, loyal, efficient, he has always worked in the interest of the party, without personalism, contributing to the consistent growth of the parliamentary group and the consensus that Forza Italia has had since the European elections. His work will still be precious for the future of our movement. To Enrico Costa, the new Chairman of the FI Camera Group, certain of his experience, skills and expertise, I wish him all the best in his work. A politician I have known for many years, I am convinced that he will lead the Forza Italia deputies I am honoured to be part of with seriousness and determination'. This was written in a note by Forza Italia secretary Antonio Tajani after the change in the presidency of the Forza Italia group in the Chamber of Deputies

Right after being elected by acclamation in the assembly of the Azzurri deputies that took place in the Chamber, Costa spoke recalling the party founder Silvio Berlusconi and then thanked Paolo Barelli, whose "door has always remained open", and the national secretary Antonio Tajani. "I am committed to enhancing everyone's professionalism," were the words of Costa, who would set 'cohesion and competence' as his fixed points. As for the working method, however, he added: 'I will talk to each of you MPs to make the right choices, respecting and enhancing the history of each one. I take on this role with a wealth of liberal values. Put the individual and his freedom of choice at the centre. A modern centre-right must deal with freedom and rights".