Here is a letter from Leoluca Orlando, National Spokesman for the “Italia dei Valori” party, regarding the draft bill concerning the fight against racketeering.


"Dear Mr. President,
As you well know, we have prepared a draft bill concerning the fight against the phenomenon of extortion and to provide support for the victims, namely, the small businessmen.
This proposal, of which I hereby attach another copy, will have to be discussed with the political parties and the applicable associations, and has already constituted a significant part of the daily meeting of the majority, held at Palazzo Chigi, on the subject of economic development and social equality.
Politicians must decisively support the fight against racketeering and organised crime, which is obtaining some good results, even by means of organic legislative provisions.
Even after the judicial inquiries and the operations carried out by the forces of law and order, and following important initiatives undertaken by public associations and the firm stand taken by Confindustria and other organisations, politicians have not yet made themselves heard.
We cannot allow politics to stand by and appear to be almost embarrassed in admitting that the phenomenon of extortion has spread to many businesses in our country. This phenomenon continues to become more widespread throughout the country and poses a risk to all of the country’s businessmen.
It is unacceptable for politics to entrust the outcome of this type of social drama to the actions of the judiciary, albeit meritorious, or to limit itself to applauding the actions of individual or groups of businessmen. It is for this very reason that we wish to make it legally worthwhile to collaborate in the fight against extortion.
Extortion is fast becoming a veritable “criminal tax”, which must be fought by offering a range of benefits and concessions to those who provide “useful collaboration” in terms of identifying the extortionists and proving their guilt. The proposal in fact envisages significant tax and contribution concessions, as well as full cover against any damage suffered, and State guarantees n order to obtain the necessary credit following criminal damages.
The beneficiaries would be entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, artisans and independent professionals enrolled in the legally sanctioned professional registers, employing less than 15 people or with an annual turnover of less than one million Euro. These are businesses that constitute a significant part of our economic system, namely, the small to medium-size businesses that are mostly exposed and unprotected against the phenomenon of extortion.
The proposal is envisaged to remain valid for a period of one year, after which, time extensions and amendments may be considered in the light of the experience gained and the results achieved.
This is another example of the “Italia dei Valori” party’s contribution to the consolidation of an ethic of responsibility, both individual and collective, a contribution that is not only necessary, but also worthwhile.
In this regard, the proposal envisages the strengthening of existing security systems, including video surveillance, and the strengthening of the police presence on the ground. Amongst the associated potential penalties, the legislation also provides for the possibility of suspending the trading or professional activities of anyone who fails to collaborate, or who fraudulently abuses the legal provisions, for a period ranging from three months to one year.
It is important for us to receive all comments and amendment proposals in order to arrive at a final text.
Kindest regards
Leoluca Orlando"

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