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Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte continues to receive criticism from the opposition and the regions for the "phase 2" reopening after confinement to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Today there has been a decrease in deaths and new cases in Italy. The deceased increased by 285 in the last 24 hours , compared to 323 deaths the previous day, according to the daily announcement of the Civil Protection Agency. The daily count of new infections stood at 1,872, up from 2,086 on Wednesday. That is, another drop in the number of cases. Since the coronavirus outbreak began, 27,967 deaths have been recorded in Italy.

Conte warned of the dangers of acting alone in the de-escalation . "Initiatives involving less restrictive measures are not possible", they are "contrary to national norms" and therefore "would be considered illegitimate for all purposes," Conte added, during his speech today in the Chamber of Deputies.

Regions led by right-wing parties, which are not part of the government coalition, have opposed the gradual plan to end restrictions at the national level, saying the proposed timetable, which will begin on Monday, is too timid, Reuters reported.

Highlighting the growing discord, Calabria, the toe of Italy's boot, has announced that bars and restaurants in its region can immediately reopen as long as they have outdoor tables, one month before the date proposed by the Government (one of June).

In a speech to Parliament, Conte said he would be willing to work with the regions in the future to allow them to relax measures more quickly if they had particularly low infection rates . "There will be no plan based on sudden initiatives by individual local authorities, but rather one based on scientific findings," Conte said, warning that a swift end to the restrictions could fuel the spread and lead to an increase in infections.

"I will say it clearly, at the risk of appearing unpopular. The government cannot immediately guarantee a return to normality ... we are still in this pandemic, " he said.

Renzi: "If you choose the path of populism, you will not have us by your side"

Matteo Renzi issued an ultimatum to the government today. "Prime Minister, you are at a crossroads, if in 'phase two' you choose populism, you will not have Italy Alive at your side."

"We do not have to decide if we support this government again, it is you who must decide if you want to be with us, " said Renzi. "We cannot ask a virologist how to fight unemployment, it depends on politics," added Renzi. The former prime minister also clarified: "We have not denied Salvini full powers to give to another."

The leader of Italia Viva also criticized that in the plan to combat the pandemic there were things that were done wrong. Next Monday begins "phase 2" of lifting the confinement, which will be gradual, with other key dates: May 18 and June 1.

For his part, Conte assured that there is still a majority in the government. Although the opposition expressed the opposite opinion.

"Next time he won't bring us promises, but the deeds are done," League leader Matteo Salvini said, addressing the prime minister. And he added: "We will stay in this Chamber until concrete answers are given to the Italians: enough talk, enough words . "

Salvini decided to "occupy" the Parliament and sleep in its precincts as a gesture of protest against the measures of lack of confinement, according to the agency France-Presse.

"Freeing the Italians, giving us back our freedom. Freedom is not something that you take away and give us back, it is part of us," said Force Italy leader Anna Maria Bernini, speaking to the Prime Minister.

The senator of the Five Star Movement, Alessandra Maiorino, has said: "Most are there, resist . "

The differences of Italia Viva within the government and especially with the Five Star Movement have been evident for months.

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