Abstract
Autore:
Bettinelli Ernesto
Titolo:
"L´irriducibile ambiguità dei gruppi parlamentari (in un sistema politico precario)"
The recent modifications of the Italian parliamentary rules are set up to assure a transparent management of public contributions to parliamentary groups. Indeed, these innovations don’t take any position about their relations with parties and voters. This is a consequence of a very uncertain and fluid political system, as it’s demonstrated by the several and frequent dissociations from their early groups by members of Parliament joining the “mixed group”. This phenomenon determines a heavy disruption of the constitutionals principles of political accountability and legitimacy, that is the basis of representative democracy. The appeal to the prohibition of an imperative mandate (established by the Italian Constitution) normally is a shield to protect unscrupulous behaviours of the members of Parliament.
The public opinion and the constitutional doctrine consider that this situation damages the correct working of a democracy, but it’s very difficult to come to an agreement about the possible solutions.
The author’s opinion is that it would be necessary to modify the present parliamentary rules regarding the “mixed group”, making it less attractive. Additionally it would be convenient to establish positive rules about democracy and disclosure in parliamentary groups’ internal life.
In addition, and more generally, institutional reforms affirming the principle of political accountability for every actor of the electoral process (parties, candidates and voters) could contribute to make the political system more transparent. In particular, the introduction of uninominal electoral colleges, a better candidates’ selection through primary elections and, last but not least, a considerable reduction of the number of the members of Parliament would be desirable.
