"One of the key points about doing the work in February, as it was originally timetabled, until May was that we would avoid the most active part of the tourist season, " he said.

BBC: Robert Burns statue square works face Chinese stone delay

Napolitano, whose current term expires May 15, formed a committee of senior politicians from the center-left and right to work on two key points that could be agreed upon by both sides.

FORBES: Italian President Giorgio Napolitano Is Trying To Avert A Crisis Of Systemic Proportions