Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi on Wednesday turned down a chorus of requests that he stand for an unprecedented second seven-year term. The former central banker had said repeatedly that he would not seek a second term, but analysts believed he might reconsider in the interests of promoting national unity after acrimonious elections.
Unable to agree on any other candidate to replace Ciampi, the two political blocs had spelled out their desire to see the respected 85-year-old head of state remain at his post.
But Ciampi's statement left no doubt. "None of the previous nine presidents has been re-elected. I believe this has become a significant habit. It's as well not to break it," it said. "In my view, the renewal of a long mandate, such as one of seven years, is ill suited to the Republican characteristics of our state," he continued.
Ciampi's refusal posed an immediate problem for premier-elect Romano Prodi, who must now come up with a candidate for the country's top institutional job. Italian presidents are elected by members of the Senate and the Lower House, plus a number of regional representatives. At least to begin with, a two-thirds majority is required, meaning that a candidate needs broad consensus.
The two names mentioned most frequently as possible candidates are Massimo D'Alema, a former premier and the chairman of the Democratic left party; and Giuliano Amato, also a former premier who comes from a Socialist background. Ciampi's term ends on May 18, while voting for his successor is scheduled to begin on May 8. The election of a new president is closely tied up with the birth of a new centre-left government led by Romano Prodi. Ciampi has said he wants his successor to name the new
premier and ministers.
Eager to take the reins of power as soon as possible, Prodi strongly favoured a second term for Ciampi. Reacting to the news of his refusal, he said simply: "Thanks for the seven years given. I'm sorry there won't be seven more". He said he would now meet with allies to discuss other candidates. He said he would also talk to the centre right. Outgoing premier Silvio Berlusconi said he was "very sorry" about Ciampi's decision and called on the centre left to produce a candidate who would be a guarantee for both political blocs.
"They mustn't think about getting their hands on the presidency as well. This must be a guarantee for unity in Italy," he said.
