Politics · Italy · 7 hrs ago
Italian Parliament leaders to fill vacant seats on Rai oversight committee
Italy’s parliamentary leaders plan to fill vacant seats on the committee that oversees Rai, the country’s public broadcaster.
The committee has been unable to work since members resigned amid a dispute that began in July, including its former chair, Barbara Floridia of the Five Star Movement.
Opposition parties have not agreed on replacement members, despite a deadline of 16 November.
From Monday, parliamentary leaders Lorenzo Fontana and Ignazio La Russa say they will use their authority to appoint the missing members.
La Russa says appointments will follow a hierarchy, starting with the leaders of groups that have not submitted names.
Those appointed could resign or skip meetings, which could leave the committee unable to function or working only with governing-party members.
The deadlock puts oversight of public TV at issue ahead of future elections and is also linked to stalled Rai reforms and the selection of a new board chair; no resolution is yet reported.
The presidents of Italy’s two parliamentary chambers say they will fill vacant seats on the Rai oversight committee from Monday.
Opposition parties have not agreed on replacements for members who resigned, leaving the committee unable to function.
Senate President Ignazio La Russa says appointments will follow a hierarchy of opposition group leaders and other members.
The dispute began in July and is linked to wider disagreements over Rai’s governance and the appointment of its board president.
- Who
- The presidents of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate, Lorenzo Fontana and Ignazio La Russa, say they will appoint missing committee members.
- What
- They plan to fill vacant seats on the parliamentary committee that oversees public broadcaster Rai.
- When
- From Monday, November 16, 2026.
- Where
- Italy’s Parliament.
- Why
- Opposition parties have not agreed on replacements for members who resigned, leaving the committee blocked.
Rai oversight committee's opposition parties
Parliament's chamber presidents
Vacant seats
Rai oversight committee's opposition parties
Opposition parties have not named replacements for members who resigned.
Parliament's chamber presidents
The presidents say they will appoint members to fill the vacant seats.
Appointments
Rai oversight committee's opposition parties
Some opposition members have opposed the presidents’ pressure, calling it an “act of authority” and “a forcing.
Parliament's chamber presidents
La Russa says appointments will follow a hierarchical order and will not be made at random.
The opposition walkout began with the resignation of committee chair Barbara Floridia in protest at the deadlock.
The 25 members of the governing majority also resigned, blocking the entire committee.
Chamber presidents Lorenzo Fontana and Ignazio La Russa tried to mediate, setting deadlines and pauses for reflection.
The deadline for the opposition to name replacements arrives, and the chamber presidents say they will begin filling the vacancies.
- Committee
- Rai parliamentary oversight committee
- Chamber presidents
- Lorenzo Fontana and Ignazio La Russa
- Opposition chair who resigned
- Barbara Floridia of the Five Star Movement
- Governing majority members who resigned
- 25
- Rai board president candidate
- Simona Agnes
What people are saying
I waited and checked whether they could agree among themselves, they were not able to do so and I do not blame them
I will not choose them at random