The government challenges the Veneto law on the end of life, Zaia: 'I respect, but I claim the choice'

The government has decided to challenge the end-of-life law in Veneto, the first region administered by the centre-right (the governor is the Northern League member Alberto Stefani) to give the green light to "procedures and times for regional health care for medically assisted suicide".

The deputy prime minister and leader of the League Matteo Salvini, as far as we know, did not participate in either the discussion or the vote. The Minister for Regional Affairs Roberto Calderoli, also a member of the Northern League, instead spoke out against the appeal, arguing that it is a regulatory law that only indicates the guidelines in accordance with the rules already in force.

According to what we understand, during the debate in the Council of Ministers, the Vice President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, had the need for legislative intervention by Parliament put in the minutes, on behalf of the Forza Italia delegation. For Forza Italia, in fact, such a delicate matter must be regulated by the Chambers through national legislation that avoids the proliferation of regional laws, even in conflict with each other, and implements the indications of the Constitutional Court.

"I fully respect the decision taken today by the Council of Ministers to challenge the Venetian law on the end of life. It is a constitutional prerogative of the government, which has the right to turn to the Consulta when it believes that a regional law presents aspects of unconstitutionality. Just as it is fully legitimate that the representatives of the League in the Council of Ministers did not participate in the vote. Personally, I firmly support the choice made by the Veneto Regional Council, which I personally supported and voted for", comments the president of the Veneto Regional Council Luca Zaia.

"The law voted by the Veneto Regional Council is substantially different from those approved in other regions and subject to requests for modifications by the Constitutional Court. The amendments approved in the sense of favor vitae demonstrate this. For this reason, from a legal point of view, I am convinced that it will pass the scrutiny of the Consulta", states the president of the Veneto Region Alberto Stefani in a note.