Rebellion in the Heartland: Italy’s Power Balance Shifts as Renzi Seizes Control

Mira Brunello

08 October 2024

Elly Schlein took it easy, two weeks to decide to speak. Finally, the secretary of the Democratic Party went to a friendly television studio, that of Massimo Gramellini on La7, to have her say on the topic of the day: the explosion of the centre-left alliance, Giuseppe Conte who does not want to see the symbol of Italia Viva , next to that of the M5S. A diktat which in Liguria resulted in the exclusion of the Renzians from the next regional elections in October. «The problems of the allies are ours too. We will take it into account”, the “Columbus” egg of the tenant of the Nazarene, who tries to get out of the corner of controversy in which she has gotten herself into with her indication of no to vetoes. Meanwhile, the area of ​​conflict has moved to Emilia Romagna, a region which, like Umbria, will vote on 17-18 November.

To take action, yesterday, the candidate of the Largo Campo Michele De Pascale went to Giuseppe Conte in Campo Marzio, a meeting that lasted two hours. “At the moment we are building a coalition that is made up of parties and civic lists”, commented the mayor of Ravenna as he left. The direction of travel is to propose to Italia Viva (which in the Region has the councilor Mauro Felicori and the councilor Giulia Pigoni) to be accepted on a civic list, without party symbols. A mediation that aims to grasp the sensitivity of the new allies, without humiliating the Renzians. Silencing Italia Viva in Emilia Romagna will be more difficult for the lawyer, for a couple of reasons. The first is certainly linked to the agreement between the former governor Stefano Bonaccini and the former mayor of Florence who has always supported him. A relationship that also passes through the current mayor of Ravenna, a reformist dem, whose electoral campaign is coordinated by Manuela Rontini from Faenza. Long-time friend of the former scrap dealer, and regular presence at his Leopolde. To say that this time Matteo Renzi will not have an “opponent” like Andrea Orlando in front of him, but fellow travelers who will try to save him until the end.

However, that Italia Viva does not want to suffer pressure from the 5 Star Movement can also be seen from the tone used by former minister Maria Elena Boschi towards the Democratic Party: «IV opened the dialogue because Schlein asked for it. If Elly takes a step back now, she will lose credibility.” Translated: Italia Viva will present itself with its own list and its own symbol. Vetoes are no longer allowed. In practice, the Democratic Party is torn between the majority of the party who would throw the former secretary overboard but is forced to cover the position of the secretary, and the minority, ready to receive Matteo Renzi. Giuseppe Conte’s fate is also sealed: in order not to give gifts to Beppe Grillo, he will have to continue to keep attention high on the Florentine. A problem for Elly coming out of the corner.