Articles for author: Lorenzo Cuocolo

Italian Constitutional Court says Berlusconi had to be loyal

The Constitutional Court remains true to itself providing, once again, the proper functioning of the constitutional powers. In a decision that – according to rumors that filter from Rome – was serene and without significant opposition among the judges, the “Consulta” has rejected the conflict of powers with which the Head of Government (which at that time was Silvio Berlusconi) lamented the lack of recognition by the court of Milan, of the „legitimate impediment“ opposed by the accused-President not to attend a hearing. Berlusconi had suddenly moved the date of a Council of Ministers, making it coincide precisely with the ... continue reading

21. Juni 2013

Italian Constitutional Court says Berlusconi had to be loyal

The Constitutional Court remains true to itself providing, once again, the proper functioning of the constitutional powers. In a decision that – according to rumors that filter from Rome – was serene and without significant opposition among the judges, the „Consulta“ has rejected the conflict of powers with which the Head of Government (which at that time was Silvio Berlusconi) lamented the lack of recognition by the court of Milan, of the „legitimate impediment“ opposed by the accused-President not to attend a hearing. Berlusconi had suddenly moved the date of a Council of Ministers, making it coincide precisely with the ... continue reading

21. Juni 2013

Italian institutions between crisis and reform

The political turmoil in Italy during the last months hasn’t left its constitutional order unaffected, one would think – or has it? In order to understand what happened it is essential to start from November 2011. Berlusconi’s Cabinet fell apart, while the Italian economic and financial situation was becaming increasingly dramatic. The President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano appointed Professor Mario Monti, an eminent economist and previously European Commissioner, to form a new government. The main oddity of the Monti government was its technical nature. The Ministers were not members of political parties, but rather university professors, professionals and experts ... continue reading

21. Mai 2013

Italian institutions between crisis and reform

The political turmoil in Italy during the last months hasn’t left its constitutional order unaffected, one would think – or has it? In order to understand what happened it is essential to start from November 2011. Berlusconi’s Cabinet was falling apart, while the Italian economic and financial situation was becoming increasingly dramatic. The President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano appointed Professor Mario Monti, an eminent economist and previously European Commissioner, to form a new government. The main oddity of the Monti government was its technical nature. The Ministers were not members of political parties, but rather university professors, professionals and ... continue reading

21. Mai 2013