“These modifications preserve the core principles while addressing key concerns,” I explain, watching faces for reactions.
Finance Minister Russo, freshly returned from his media tour, scoffs openly. “These are cosmetic changes to fundamentally flawed legislation.”
“The legislation isn’t flawed,” Gabriella cuts in sharply. “Your understanding of ethical governance however might be.”
I raise a hand before the argument escalates. “We’ve incorporated extended compliance timelines for certain provisions and clarified exemptions for historical family holdings.”
“It’s still overreach,” Transportation Minister Vitelli objects. “The disclosure requirements for family members violate privacy rights.”
“Privacy rights don’t extend to hiding illicit wealth,” I counter.
Carlos clears his throat. “Perhaps we could further extend the compliance timeline for family disclosures? Twelve months insteadof six?”
I feel the familiar frustration rising. Every concession weakens the legislation’s effectiveness, creates new loopholes for the corrupt to exploit.
My phone vibrates with an incoming message. I glance down discreetly.
Vatican Protocol Office: His Holiness requests a private meeting tomorrow regarding matters of mutual concern. Confidential. Please advise availability.
Something flutters in my chest that has nothing to do with political strategy. I find myself wondering if Marco has received similar push back for his Vatican Bank audit, if he too is fighting entrenched powers while appearing calm and collected.
“Prime Minister?” Carlos prompts. “Your thoughts on the extended timeline?”
I look up, aware I’ve missed part of the discussion. “I need to consider it carefully.”
Russo exchanges glances with Vitelli. “We need answers now, not after further consideration.”
“Then let me be clear,” I straighten in my chair. “I won’t gut this legislation to make corruption more convenient. But I will consider reasonable modifications that preserve its integrity while addressing legitimate concerns.”
“And who determines what’s ‘reasonable’?” Russo challenges.
“I do,” I state flatly. “That’s why the people elected me Prime Minister.”
The room falls silent. I can feel Carlos’s tension beside me, can practically hear him calculating political fallout as the gears turn in his politically astute mind.
“Review the compromise document,” I continue more diplomatically. “Submit specific language changes by tomorrow morning. We’llreconvene at three.”
As the ministers file out, many avoiding eye contact, Gabriella lingers.
“You’re distracted today,” she observes quietly. “That’s unlike you.”
“Just weighing options.”
She nods toward my phone. “Important message?”
I hesitate. “The Pope has requested another meeting.”
“Regarding?”
“Matters of mutual concern. Probably the Vatican Bank.”
Gabriella’s expression grows serious. “Be careful there, Matteo. Church finances touch powerful interests both inside and outside Italy.”
“I know.”
“Do you?” She gathers her papers. “Because you’ve seemed elsewhere since your first meeting with him. We need you fully present for this fight.”
After she leaves, I sit alone in the conference room, staring at the message. I type a quick reply confirming my availability, then add a personal note:
