Italy President Says He Will Step Down Soon

[kittyworker]

Italy's 89-year-old President Giorgio Napolitano said on Wednesday that he would step down soon because of his age, leaving Prime Minister Matteo Renzi facing a delicate political challenge to replace him.

After dropping hints for months, Napolitano began the president's annual end-year address by saying he was speaking also to his successor, who would "soon" take his place.

More Information: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/31/us-italy-president-resignation-iduskbn0k914h20141231

 

[Rosie]

Well, he retired yesterday He was 89 years old. It was time!! No offence but, my god he was so old!

He signed his resignation letter yesterday, I think it was in the morning, and now it is up to the prime minister, Matteo Renzi, to find a successor. A difficult task, by the way. There are rumours that, if Renzi doesn't find a successor soon, he will probably organize some elections.

The former president was supposed to leave his office in 2020, did you guys know this? So, by 2020, Italy could have had a 94 year old president! Can you imagine that?

The president's role in this country, however, is more ceremonial, he doesn't have a lot of power of decision, as the prime minister does, BUT a president can choose the prime minister or he can "fire" one. So, yeah, there is some power that comes with being a president. So now, we just have to wait and see who will become Italy's new president.