Misunderstanding Between Senators Throws The Government Off the Agenda of Tackling Corruption in the North-South Divide

Sim Yu Ting Mischa | Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA English)

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Senate of the Republic - A heated misunderstanding between key senators disrupted the Senate’s debate on Italy’s corruption problem and the widening of the North-South divide, reviving political tensions and uncertainty over the government’s anti-corruption agenda. 

The confrontation occurred when Democratic Party (PD) member Antonio Nicita accused Forza Italia (FI) of ignoring “compelling evidence” of mafia infiltration linked to their party’s current leadership, Senator Licia Ronzuli. “They claim that they are not affiliated — but how do we ensure that?” 

Senator Bettino Craxi stressed that the FI had already overthrown their previous party leader, Senator Maurizio Gasparri, who was, in actual fact, the leader concerned. Senator Gasparri was notably absent from proceedings; hence, no comment was received from him. 

During the press conference, Craxi had declared that the party is “committed to letting the law speak above all of (them).” She insisted that any internal decision in Forza Italia would be guided by legal outcomes rather than political perspectives, especially if their former leader was found guilty of involvement with organised crime. She further reiterated in the press conference that the party acts with neither bias nor protectionism, heavily emphasising their “zero tolerance for mafia corruption”. 

Senator Francesco Boccia (PD), along with Senator Nicita, has expressed cautious willingness for cooperation with FI but admitted ongoing mistrust. 

The Democratic Party had hoped to resolve and put aside the tactless exchange, as well as make efforts to mend the mistrust with FI. They had also expressed concern that they, however, still had not held any internal checks within their party for corruption and demanded that they do so.“If the name of FI is clear, we would be happy to work with them.” 

This delay came at a sensitive moment, to the frustration of many. Senators had repeatedly been urged to act swiftly together as the North-South divide in the country continues to widen. Corruption has always been a major obstacle to the unification between the two polar sectors. 

In addition, Italy’s per-capita income rose 25% over 20 years, ¹yet the regional gap remained unchanged. Income inequality not only still exists, but structural issues are glaring, too. Although statistics show growth in the South’s GDP, the disparity with the North is still severe. 

Corruption had continued to severely impact Southern Italy. This misunderstanding had only delayed the senators' actions in bridging the socioeconomic gap. 

However, discussions to resolve the corruption issues still continue amidst tensions. 

Agreements have been made by PD to work with Senator Biancofiore and her party, Brothers of Italy, to continue working on her initiative, FLAMEY:

• Fast-track courts for mafia cases 

• Legal expansion of prosecutors 

• Advanced prison standards 

• Mandatory whistleblower protection 

• Equal welfare fund distribution 

• Youth education and employment 

It was emphasised that priorities in implementing the framework should be given by urgency and importance, such as fast-tracking trials and prosecutorial expansion, as well as reforms targeting youth. Actions in other broader aspects would be expected to follow. Senator Biancofiore firmly states that “curbing mafia and corruption begins with people of the future”, highlighting her commitment to sustainable anti-corruption efforts. 

There is also a push for administrative reform and digital bureaucracy. Senator Andrea Giorgis (PD) had suggested the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to mitigate the harm done by the current administration on businesses, allowing for a more “centralised solution in general”. 

At the same press briefing, senators also highlighted the need to investigate inefficiencies within the public sector. Supporters argue the system would reduce administrative waste, curb opportunities for corruption, and streamline public services. This will be done by cutting bureaucratic costs accordingly and by regularly surveying businesses and citizens. 

Senator Giorgis further suggests the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence system in the National Anti-Corruption Authority (ANAC). Future contracts involving members of the government in which the money dealt exceeds €100,000 will be automatically flagged and investigated by it, and also review relevant tax and finance reports. He believes that this will allow for a readily available tool to flag corruption before escalation. 

Senator Ronzuli had also addressed concerns over the placement of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) during the press conference, many located along the North–South border regions. He argued that this idea will support SME development, boost the Southern economy while strengthening the North, as well as improve security and law enforcement visibility. 

Some SEZs have struggled with legal compliance, raising fears they could become vulnerable to criminal infiltration if not rigorously monitored. He suggested compulsory 6-monthly to yearly checks on the governing party, with a separate organisation that is a third party. This helps keep the government to be kept in check and increases public trust. 

The misunderstanding between the senators may have been brief, but it exposed the fragile nature of political trust in the Senate. After all, there could not possibly be a corrupt government battling the same issue preventing the end of the regional divide. 

The news agency is looking forward to further developments with the Senate’s progress in aligning and proceeding with its anti-corruption reforms, which will tackle the inequalities that have persisted in Italy for decades. 

Bibliography

1) Leogrande, Angelo. 2025. “Per-capita income in Italy grows by 25% over twenty years, but the North-South divide remains unchanged.” Research Gate, November 2025. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397886698_Per-capita_income_in_Italy_grows_by_25_over_twenty_years_but_the_North-South_divide_remains_unchanged.