Tension and irony in the Senate chamber during the examination of the Nordio bill.
Between the illustration and the vote on the amendments, between secret votes and abuse of office, there was no shortage of skits and vitriolic jokes which also involved the president Ignazio La Russa.
"The Democratic Party is with the M5s on abuse of office, I will bring the voice of the mayors", warns Matteo Renzi from his seat, pointing the finger at the Dem senators, and then shifting the reasoning to influence trafficking.
In this regard he recalls: "of the multiple trials that have involved me, it is the only matter that they have not yet contested against me. They did it to Beppe Grillo, not to me".
Surprisingly, La Russa comments with a smile: "There's always time", and immediately afterwards adds: "I'm joking".
Renzi does not miss the opportunity and replies: "Unicuique suum. Everyone thinks about him. Everyone has his own problems...".
Video Trafficking of influence, Renzi-La Russa back-and-forth in the Chamber
The 17 secret votes also triggered misunderstandings and discontent: "I thank the group leader of the M5s with whom we defined the number for his collaboration", says La Russa, still speaking from the chair of the presidency.
League senator Erika Stefani, however, is convinced that it was the Democratic Party that asked for them and attacks: "The left throws a mask on abuse of office. Twenty votes arriving from the opposition reject the amendment first signed by Scarpinato (M5s) It is no coincidence that the Democratic Party had asked for a secret vote."
"Nothing is true" the group leader Francesco Boccia replies, "we didn't ask for the secret vote and we had given a contrary opinion on that amendment".
The spirits are hot and the clash, even at the point of foil, is always around the corner.
Tito Magni of Avs, fearing that La Russa will ignore his request to intervene, says: "You, president, are always a little reluctant to look to the left, but we are here too."
"I don't have a stiff neck. - replies La Russa - I also look to the left, with difficulty, but...".
The same treatment goes to the dem Alfredo Bazoli who addresses the presidency by pointing out: "I had raised my hand to ask to speak, but he didn't notice".
Hello La Russa replies: "do you know that raising your hand can be dangerous?".
Bazoli replies: "I raised my fist...".
Another back-and-forth concerns Roberto Scarpinato (M5s) who, while trying to begin his speech, is disturbed by centre-right senators.
"Senator, come to a conclusion", urges the president of the Senate, trying to restore order in the Chamber. "But I haven't started yet...", replies the former magistrate.
"If it doesn't start, it won't arrive", La Russa cuts short.
Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA