Last night PM Conte went live on Facebook at 7.30 pm, almost on the dot. Dressed to the nines, he addressed the Italian public from Palazzo Chigi (a palace and former noble residence in Rome, now the official residence of the Prime Minister of Italy).
Conte stated that he is set to extend the country’s lockdown until May 3d at the very least but asked the reporters not to inquire for an exact date as it has not been set yet. The current restrictions include a ban on all non-essential economic activity and the closure of most shops.
The new decree will confirm the existing restrictions currently in place until April 13th. However, some business will be able to reopen after the date, such as bookshops, stationary stores, and baby clothes sellers- all as long as health security can be assured.
Conte affirmed that health of citizens remains the main priority in making government’s decisions. In answering reporters’ questions, Conte stated that the second phase is already in the works. PM talked about assembling a so-called expert circle composed of the best and brightest. The circle will include specialists here in Italy and around the world. Their task will be to take into consideration all possible scenarios in preparing for the second phase and beyond.
Towards the end of the talk, it was curious to see PM Conte getting upset with his party’s opposition: Ministers Salvini and Meloni. Pm stated that they were wrong to support the ESM and that Italy will repeatedly request Europe to acknowledge its uselessness for Italy. As he was talking he repeatedly banged his hand on the table. Conte finished by wishing everyone happy easter.
As for the local news, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s governor Fedriga, who is known to be Salvini’s greatest supporter, tweeted a few upset comments saying that PM shouldn’t have used the public television to attack the opposition.
Meanwhile in Trieste, the weather is fantastic, the birds have been singing since the wee hours and the air has an intoxicating aroma of all the flowers in bloom. We hope you enjoy your weekend.
By In Trieste
