I’m publishing a letter that I sent to Veltroni and it appeared in today’s l'Unità. Mine is a transversal appeal, without emblems, without colours, without parties. It is an appeal to save democracy in this country, because this is what we are talking about.
We are talking about a strong signal that many social and political groupings want to give to the government. We want the re-awakening of the civic conscience. Citizens have lost trust, they are resigned, they think that they cannot have an impact on the passage of political choices. That’s not true, democracy is constant and direct participation by the citizens. This action in the streets will explode over time because this government is acting outside its election manifesto, with manoevres that undermine the fundamentals of the State based on the rule of law. Silvio Berlusconi is showing us his idea of democracy in which before the election the citizens are puppets to be moulded into shape and immediately after it they are vassals to be governed. It’s the voters who are not standing f or it, including those who voted for yourself. . Piazza Navona will be the Electroshock on consciences. I hope that you will be there.

Dear Walter,
It’s a critical moment for our country. At risk are democracy and the economic and social future of the Italian people. It is for this reason, the whole of the Opposition must be united and block the abomination by the one who is abusing his role in order to just protect his personal interests.

Democracy is not to be trafficked but it is to be defended in every situation with all our energy. This is not the moment to stand still and reflect, nor is it a moment to put off things to some time in the future. It’s the moment to call the citizens, to come out into the streets, because even tomorrow will be always too late. We cannot wait for the “save-the-prime-minister” measures and all the shameful measures to become law, even though it is the only possible outcome, considering the overwhelming numbers that this majority has in Parliament. This is why we have to take on the responsibility, to give the citizens an opportunity to speak out and to explain to them what is happening.

On 8 July, Italia dei Valori will be in Piazza Navona to demonstrate and we will be without flags, together with so many other political groupings, associations, campaign groups and free citizens. We have been called and we have replied. And we ask the PD to be there as well, to participate and not to build up fences. The defence of liberty and democracy has no colour, nor flag. It has only the strength of ideas and the courage not to hang back. The country needs a united Opposition. One that stays together and without anyone claiming a sterile “first”.

This is another reason why Italia dei Valori will be with the PD in the streets in the Autumn, to denounce the social, democratic and economic emergency. It will be by its side in that action of protest and proposal for the country. The project of the PD as a strong and credible alternative to a government that is taking Italy towards collapse, is already receiving our support.

Antonio Di Pietro"