The Quirinale: Mattarella’s approach to difficult times – Zampetti’s account on Sky Tg 24

Discovering the men and women little known to the general public, yet key figures in the decisions that shape the life of the nation. They are the grand commis of the State, the protagonists of ‘Gli Invisibili – The Power That Cannot Be Seen’, the new feature on Sky Tg 24 as part of ‘Agenda’, the channel’s weekly current affairs programme presented by Lavinia Spingardi, broadcast on Saturdays from 11.30 am to 12.00 pm.

Who are the people who, away from the political spotlight, help shape the most significant decisions at national level? And what is the relationship between technical and administrative power and political power? From Saturday 17 October, on the all-news channel, a journey through the lives of the figures who wield a discreet yet essential power, to understand how the machinery of state really works.

Among those featured, interviewed by Virman Cusenza, a journalist and writer and former editor-in-chief of *Il Mattino* and *Il Messaggero*, were Ugo Zampetti, Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic; Fabrizio Castaldi, Secretary-General of the Chamber of Deputies; Federico Toniato, Secretary-General of the Senate of the Republic; Daria Perrotta, State Accountant-General; Vittorio Pisani, Chief of Police; and Francesca Quadri, Head of the Department for Legal and Legislative Affairs (DAGL) at the Prime Minister’s Office. In the studio, analysts and commentators will explore the workings of institutional power, offering the public further insights into the country’s decision-making processes.

The first interview, to be broadcast on Saturday 17 October at 11.30, features the Secretary-General of the Quirinale, Ugo Zampetti. During the interview, the senior official addressed the issue of relations between the Presidency of the Republic and the Government, emphasising the continuity of institutional cooperation regardless of the various political majorities: ‘The relationship with the Prime Minister’s Office has always been characterised, under all successive governments, by proper and effective cooperation.’ He also described the approach taken by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, when dealing with the most delicate aspects of institutional life: ‘There have been, and there will continue to be, difficult moments for all institutions. President Mattarella approaches every situation, even the most difficult ones, with absolute composure and method, focusing – as he emphasised – on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.’

‘In fact, the government – and, more generally, the Prime Minister’s Office – is the most direct point of contact for the Quirinale and its departments. I must say that the relationship with the Prime Minister’s Office, across all successive governments, has always been characterised by proper and constructive cooperation,” emphasised Zampetti.