La Gazzetta di Messelia

ASS Expected to Lead Senate Coalition
Marta Pezzaloni

Senators have held three votes on the formation of a Coalition

Messelia. Following a Senate vote last Friday, the Alliance for Sustainable Development is widely expected to lead a new governing coalition, once the Senate votes a fourth time on Monday.

On Friday, the Senate voted for the third time on the formation of a Coalition. While the previous two votes had the Merchant Rights Association (ADM) in the lead position, for this vote the ASS received the backing of the Socialist Party. With 163 votes, it surpassed the 133 votes of the ADM Coalition and the 114 votes of the Social Progress Party/Youth Movement (PPS/MG). While there is still major resentment among the PPS/MG over the role of the ASS in the dismissal of First Councillor Marco Valerio, most sources from inside the Senate are certain that both parties will give their backing to the ASS, their former coalition partner, to ensure a stable majority.

As a possible sign of this, Terzo Ferraro, one of the leading candidates for First Councillor, has withdrawn himself from consideration, according to a high official within the Senate, as has Liliana Nisi, who released a public statement this morning, saying that she intends to continue serving in the Education Advisory Council. Perhaps most telling are the increasing rumours, started by Byzantium Herald Sartoria Correspondent Claudio Stovale, that Foreign Councillor Marelli will announce her withdrawal from the race on Monday, shortly before holds its vote. Mr Stovale wrote that "Councillor Marelli is reportedly unwilling to head a government under a ASS-led majority, being a supporter of the Social Progress Party herself".

If true, that would lead Vincenzo Cattaneo and Guido Alderisi as the sole contenders, though some voices are already being heard that urge Eliana D'Ambrosio, the highest approved Privy Councillor, to consent to a possible appointment as First Councillor. Ms D'Ambrosio has shown no intention of seeking the office, and indeed has historically kept a low political profile in her years on the Privy Council. Should she decide to refrain from seeking the office, it is expected that Mr Cattaneo will attempt to reach an agreement with the ASS and PPS/MG to form a government until the 2018 Senate Election.