“Staying rebels”. This is the motto of Matteo Renzi

 “Staying rebels”. These is the motto that Matteo Renzi, the new National Secretary of the left-wing party, PD, used at the Milan Conference Centre, MiCo, on Sunday 15 December 2013, during the National Assembly, in which he was officially declared leader, which was covered live by Varesenews.

“Being a rebel means being a rebel with ourselves,” he explained. “In our own small way, we must try to change our everyday lives. We must be able to try to change Italy. Together, we are stronger, and able to recognise the faults and merits of others.”

So, his motto is to change ourselves in order to change the world. “The Italians voted for Renzi, not because he was Mayor of Florence, but because they want change. This is the last appeal to give dignity back to Italy. It’s about making peace between politicians and Italy.” Starting with values and rights. “Values and rights are essential. The aim of the party is not to govern, but to change the country.” For this reason, Renzi made a request to MPs that was different from the one we have been hearing over the last few days. “We shouldn’t say to MPS, ‘All of you, go home’, but ‘All of you, get to work’. We need construction, not destruction."

Their first, most important job is to establish an electoral law. "We live in a country where the cost of politics is the highest in Europe. Managers earn twice as much, even though their responsibilities are less clear. We need a new electoral law, a cut in the cost of politics, and reorganisation of the State. The Senate will be a place of independence and will not have any electoral function. Regional councillors must earn as much as the mayor of a large city. We need an electoral law where it is clear who wins.”

This job must have no preclusions, but it must also not be open to blackmail. “There are a lot of electoral law models that may be suitable. One of these must be passed by the end of January. The Five Star Movement, M5S, attack us every, and do it while hiding behind their name. Today, I’m telling Beppe Grillo, ‘Sign here. If you’re serious, I’m willing.’ Do you want us to give up the funding immediately? Fine, as long as you agree to reforms. This operation is worth a billion, not 40 million.” On hearing these words, the audience began to applaud, and with growing enthusiasm. That is because, “Without us, the reforms won’t be made,” Renzi stressed. “We must change the mood of our discussions. A party that is a ruling class, has a great responsibility. Either we save Italy, or no one will. This is a great responsibility, but also a great thrill. I don’t want to sound dramatic, but this is the sense of the challenge. I know what my limits are, but if we’re able to do what we should do, we’ll change Italy.”

This job is important for the Italians, but not only, because, “The world needs Italy much more than we may think, and without us, Europe will go nowhere. And we can do great things thanks to Culture, which mustn’t be saved, but kept going. I don’t want save, but produce and try out culture.”