ABSTRACT: The texts that follow reconstruct the story of Marco Pannella's resignation from Parliament; the serious problems that Pannella raised with it, together with the thick, dirty veil covering Parliament. This is what the former member of Parliament wrote to his colleagues, what he said in Parliament, the replies the others gave him and the problems he raised; with the "unexpected" result of the acceptance of his resignation. Also, the comments on the event: in the "Transatlantico" (1), in the press, on state television.

Quoted here below is the short statement accompanying the letter of resignation forwarded to the members of Parliament before the vote.

(Radical News n.248 of 14 November 1989)

It is my belief that the political reasons for my resignation should concern and involve everyone. These reasons are rooted in a reality that concerns our office as such, regardless of the different parties we belong to. These reasons are an expression of democracy. I am convinced that if we don't react in time, in spring at the latest, we will not only be faced to the usual anticipated dissolution of Parliament and Senate, but also to "necessarily" have to vote a series of aberrant reforms that aggravate the present situation. After having sent my letter of resignation, I gave the matter much thought. In Parliament I will explain why the greatest responsibilities for this situation - in which the institutions are deprived of their functions and the constitutional system is being destroyed - are to be attributed to other entities but the Parliament and the Senate (fundamentally). I will not fail to disclose the names of the responsibles, and this will be my contribution, albeit questionable, to the convictio

ns held by myself and a few others. I hope, or rather count, on your presence; on the participation of as many of us as possible. At this stage, this has become a unique regulation opportunity in our Parliament, for a debate and an action that would otherwise lack. As it is an "interna corporis" matter, in which the executive power need not take part and even be present as such, it is clear that my invitation, or wish, also concerns my colleagues having responsibilities in the government. As for me, should the Parliament reject my resignation as a matter of pure courtesy, with the contribution of personal affection and esteem, without probing the reasons for which I am resigning, then this will mean that once more, I have not been capable and am not capable of giving the Parliament and all of us the contribution I wish to give.

Translator's notes

(1) "Transatlantico": the name given to the long corridor in front of the Hall of the Chamber of Deputies, where members of Parliament meet and discuss informally.