Hon. Gino Bucchino

The reunion of the Partito democratico (Democratic party of Italy) club of Toronto was held last Thursday evening in Woodbridge. It was presided over by Mario Marra, with the participation of the Honourable Gino Bucchino. Marra announced that a new Pd club opened in Windsor, while others will be opening in Oshawa, Edmonton, and Vancouver.
“We’re spreading,” jokes Bucchino, “even in light of the upcoming expiry of the Pd’s national assembly, which will take place in Rome on Oct. 10-11, including the participation of about 100 foreign delegates as well.”
Also to be discussed at the assembly will be the assignment of four foreign spots for the national assembly executive.
Canada’s position is clear and written in black and white: representatives must be the expression of each foreign constituency and be elected through primaries. A tidy solution seeing that the spots available coincide with the number of constituencies.
“We want our voice to be heard and we’re asking that we at least have our own representative,” explains Bucchino, “in contrast to the logic coming from Rome.”
Italy intends to assign two delegates to Bersani’s motion, one to Franceschini’s and one to Marino’s. “We don’t agree. At this point, Bersani has been elected and we have just one party. The reference to quotas has been completely settled.”
The second half of the evening covered issues regarding Italians abroad. Pensions, first of all: “We’ve finally chalked up some success in this area: the rate increase and payment of the quattordicesima (a fourteenth monthly payment per year).” But Bucchino does not withhold the bad news.
“The INPS, as usual, is sending the 14th to those who aren’t entitled and not sending it those who are supposed to be receiving it. We must, for once and for all, straighten out income verifications.”
Another point involves Italian courses: “The State, through current Under-Secretary Mantica, has clearly stated that in the near future, not even a penny will be arriving.” Funding will continue to be reduced until it ceases completely.

Page 1/...Page 2

Printable Version

Email To A Friend

Voice Your Opinion