Word: cossiga
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1970-1979
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
Both traditions were faithfully upheld as Italy last week got its 42nd postFascist government: a three-party minority coalition headed by Christian Democrat Francesco Cossiga, 51, a surprising but respected choice. The formation of the new Cabinet ended what had appeared to be an insoluble political crisis lasting 186 days-a new national record-and dating back to January when Premier Giulio Andreotti was toppled by the Communists' withdrawal of their parliamentary support. It also showed every sign of being a stopgap. "We will have a government of truce," quipped a deputy in a cartoon in Turin...
...Liberal parties, plus two unaffiliated technocrats. For parliamentary survival, it will have to depend on nothing more solid than the grudging abstention of Bettino Craxi's unpredictable Socialists. It will also have to contend with the opposition of Enrico Berlinguer's still powerful Communists. As a result, Cossiga hardly is in a position to make major decisions to deal with Italy's daunting problems of 15% inflation, 7% unemployment and nearly chronic terrorism...
...Cossiga's government, in fact, was virtually foisted on the politicians by President Alessandro Pertini, 82. Exasperated by the failure of three successive Premiers-designate,* he first threatened to go on television to denounce the party leaders. Then, after a quick shuffle of new names, he picked Cossiga as one on whom all parties could agree. As surprised as anyone else, Cossiga was packing his bag for a boating weekend with his family when the call came from Christian Democratic Party Secretary Benigno Zaccagnini: "Get ready. It's your turn...
Already under fire for failing to stop the brigatisti, Interior Minister Cossiga resigned the day after Moro's body was found. Many Italian legislators now contend that the need is to implement police reforms rather than draw up new anti-terrorist legislation...
That chilling statement at the end of the Red Brigades' "Communiqué No. 9" hit Rome like a thunderclap. Premier Giulio Andreotti interrupted a meeting with government economic experts to confer with Interior Minister Francesco Cossiga. Benigno Zaccagnini, secretary of the Christian Democratic Party, delayed a projected campaign trip for the May 14 local elections and rushed to the party headquarters in the Piazza del Gesu. In the Senate, where a debate on a bill to legalize abortion had just ended, Senators milled around in the corridors asking for the latest news. The President of the Senate, Amintore Fanfani...