08 November 2024
The pins are falling at the right time. The last step, perhaps the most difficult, concerns the precision of the shot: you have to “bewitch” the ball. And hope for a bit of luck, to get a strike. The one that usually assists Matteo Renzi, dealing with a new possible turning point, just a few months after the match played in L’Aquila, the fortunate passing pass to Elly Schlein and that goal disallowed on the edge of offside. Not bad because the news made headlines for months anyway: «Renzi surprises in the wide field». Then reality breaks in and the story with the secretary of the Democratic Party reaches the closing credits, like summer adventures that fade into autumn, courtship is too complicated even for a serial seducer like the former scrap dealer. On his way, the Florentine has found a series of precious combinations, even chance plays its part: the pinpoint defeat of Andrea Orlando, the consumption of the theory of self-sufficiency, the disorientation of his “comrades”. And above all Campania, the “ideal” square for the leader of Italia Viva, the crossroads he needed. What makes him rediscover an old acquaintance: Vincenzo De Luca, defined yesterday as “an extraordinary standard-bearer of reformism, even at a national level”.
«To keep the flag of reformism high you need someone who understands politics. And De Luca understands politics”, says Renzi. In short, love broke out. The convergence of interests with the Governor is impressive: both are dying to give Elly Schlein a political lesson, both must react after the resounding rejections they have received. So why not do it together? Like a traveling company of old “marpioni”: the ancient profession of the sheriff of Salerno, and the slightly Levantine cunning of the Florentine. Far from the icy Giuseppe Sala or the restless Carlo Calenda: “we’ll put the third pole back on its feet”. In short, the Margherita of the future, but the allies should not be too calm, because the two Gian Burrascas will not provide certainties, and on the other hand, a bit like Giuseppe Conte, they reject the idea of structural alliances. Center-left yes, but without being obvious, every alliance will have its price, «we will not be the “bedside rug” of Bonelli and Fratoianni».
The Campania President puts the mix together with his network in the South, Renzi’s maneuvering ability, then a sprinkling of “Catholics” and some third party politicians in permanent service will be needed, a skeleton that the senator was already working on for the European elections, before to strike an agreement with Emma Bonino. The important thing is to wear out the mayor of Milan, to send Goffredo Bettini into trouble, to send an unequivocal signal to the ungrateful Nazarene: the “Margherita” is our “stuff”, avoid messing with it. Two dress rehearsals in 2025: one in Campania with the civic lists of the «Sceriffo», outside the wide field, the other in Tuscany in support of Eugenio Giani, with the wide field but under precise conditions. The former prime minister, as usual, takes a gamble: a third pole shaped like this can aim for double figures. Before his electoral baptism, however, he has an even more demanding challenge ahead of him: sharing the leadership with another Fumantino, Vincenzo De Luca, “the extraordinary standard-bearer of reformism”. Bets are already open: will it end like with Carlo Calenda?
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**Interview with Political Analyst Marco Rossi**
*Date: November 8, 2024*
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Marco. There’s been quite a stir lately regarding Matteo Renzi’s support for Vincenzo De Luca in Campania. Can you provide some insights into what this alliance means for the political landscape in Italy?
**Marco Rossi:** Absolutely, it’s a fascinating development. Renzi’s support for De Luca signifies a strategic partnership that could reshape the dynamics in the Democratic Party and beyond. Both leaders have faced significant challenges recently, and by coming together, they not only bolster each other’s position but also present a united front against their common adversary, Elly Schlein.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned challenges. What are the main obstacles Renzi and De Luca are facing, and how might this alliance help them overcome them?
**Marco Rossi:** Both Renzi and De Luca have suffered from political setbacks. Renzi lost momentum after his previous political gambits, while De Luca is under scrutiny regarding the upcoming elections. By collaborating, they can pool their resources and support bases, strategically aimed at regaining influence. Together, they can reinforce their reformist agendas while appealing to a broader constituency in Campania, which is crucial for both their futures.
**Interviewer:** There’s a lot of talk about reformism. Renzi has praised De Luca’s political acumen. How significant is this endorsement, and what does it signal about their political ideologies?
**Marco Rossi:** Renzi’s endorsement is significant. It positions De Luca not just as a local leader but as a potential national figure who embodies the reformist spirit Renzi champions. This could invigorate the reformist narrative that both politicians want to promote, framing themselves as pragmatic leaders capable of navigating the complexities of Italian politics.
**Interviewer:** It seems that this partnership is motivated by a shared goal against Schlein’s leadership. Do you think this alliance is sustainable, or is it more of a temporary arrangement?
**Marco Rossi:** That’s the crux of the issue. While the alliance appears strategic now, the underlying motivations—mainly political survival and positioning against a common foe—could lead to tensions down the road. As they pursue their individual ambitions, especially if their interests diverge, this partnership may face challenges. It will be interesting to see how they balance their agendas moving forward.
**Interviewer:** how do you see this playing out in the next electoral cycle, especially with regards to their stance on coalition building?
**Marco Rossi:** If they can maintain their alliance and effectively communicate their reformist vision, they could sway voters in their favor. However, their reluctance to form a structural alliance, as indicated in recent statements, could complicate matters. Voter expectations for clear and stable coalitions are high, and if they don’t deliver, they risk losing support to more cohesive parties. The next electoral cycle will be a test of whether their partnership can yield tangible results or if it will crumble under political pressures.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Marco, for your thoughtful analysis. It will certainly be intriguing to see how this unfolds in the coming months.
**Marco Rossi:** My pleasure! It will definitely be a key political storyline to follow.
