La crisi del 2011: le dimissioni di Berlusconi, l’arrivo di Monti e la trasformazione di Napolitano in “Re Giorgio”

Giorgio Napolitano, a communist who became king to save the Republic. Despite the logical oxymorons in this phrase, the political weight of his presidency justifies the title. Giorgio Napolitano, after turning 80, had to lead Italy through one of the most tragic crises in republican history – an economic and political crisis. To do so, he had to act like a sovereign when the monarchy had already been deposed for half a century. This is why he was nicknamed “King George” by the New York Times on December 2, 2011, after he facilitated the succession of Mario Monti to Silvio Berlusconi. The Espresso magazine also used the same honorary title for him. “King George – it read – A weak government, a prime minister in crisis, a politics tainted by quarrels and scandals. In this void, the only reference point is Napolitano. Here is how far his moral persuasion can go and his plans for the coming years.” Perhaps the most political president Italy has ever had, which is why “King George” became the preferred name used by his detractors. However, “King George” was also the president who took on the responsibility of pushing the constitutional boundaries further than anyone else. Those who justified his actions used that honorary title to emphasize Napolitano’s authority and decision-making. Finally, “King George” because of the physical resemblance to Umb