Italy: Matteo Renzi, Italy's Likely New Leader, Wants to Abolish Senate - by Andrew Frye

Matteo Renzi

Matteo Renzi is called the “Demolition Man” of Italian politics, a nickname he earned by endlessly lampooning the political establishment and calling on aging politicians to make way for the next generation.

The old guard hasn’t budged, so the 39-year-old mayor of Florence intends to force the shift, starting at the top.

All but certain to become Italy’s next prime minister since the center-left Democratic Party withdrew its support for Enrico Letta, the current premier, on Feb. 13, Renzi pledges to bring order to the country’s chaotic political system. “We have had the worst group of leaders in all of Europe over the last 30 years,” Renzi said in December after winning more than 1.5 million votes to assume leadership of the Democratic Party.

They “use the word stability as a pretext for their own immobility.”

Renzi has said that within 100 days he’ll radically reshape the country’s fractious Parliament. Italy has endured decades of short-lived governments because it’s often impossible for legislators to assemble a reliable majority.

The writers of the 1948 constitution, more concerned with avoiding another Benito Mussolini than creating a workable government, made it hard for anyone or any group to take control. Renzi wants to squeeze out smaller fringe parties that attract scant support but often hold up legislation.

He also says he’ll shrink the Parliament by abolishing its upper house, the 320-member Senate, which he says is unnecessary.

Read more: Matteo Renzi, Italy's Likely New Leader, Wants to Abolish Senate - Businessweek