Apply yes, apply no. The dilemma of Elly Schlein’s entry into the field has not yet been resolved and even within the party opinions are conflicting. The last to intervene is Paola De Micheli who, in a letter to l’Unità, advises the democratic leader not to run for office. «I think that Elly Schlein’s candidacy in the next European elections, without keeping her seat in Brussels, would be a mistake. The Democratic Party promotes fictitious candidacies in an institutional space such as the European Parliament, called to be increasingly important.” According to De Micheli, Schlein should not run because “the Democratic Party is not a leading force, but a plural party, which trusts the his secretary without this implying our subjection to the widespread personalization so in vogue in Italian politics.” Not only that.
A possible candidacy by the secretary would take away space for other party candidates. On the other hand, there are many who are looking for reconfirmation, from Pina Picierno to Irene Tinagli, including Elisabetta Gualmini and Camilla Laureti, the only one from the Strasbourg delegation who sided with Schlein in the primaries. «If we intend to be, as we often proclaim ourselves, a feminist party, then women must be adequately valued even on the lists (data show that the percentage of voters who accept the three preferences is very low). Feminism is practiced, not just preached”, highlighted De Micheli.
Among the ranks of skeptics is also Romano Prodi. “Running where you know won’t degrade democracy. The right can do it, but not a reformist and democratic party. The team that will go to Brussels must be an operational team with leaders and young people learning. A team that will last in the future because it will also promote the interests of Italy.” The same goes for Stefano Bonaccini: «The Democratic Party is not the party of a single man, or a single woman, in charge», said the governor. Among other things, given the names on the field, Schlein risks a team with Bonaccini traction in Europe with mayors Giorgio Gori, Matteo Ricci, Dario Nardella and Antonio Decaro. If there are those who advise the democratic leader not to run in all constituencies, There are also those who advise against running in just one or two constituencies, because that would seem like a half-step back compared to the challenge launched by Giorgia Meloni. The secretary has not yet commented but the issue of candidacy will most likely be resolved in the Gubbio conclave scheduled for January 17th and 18th.
Source: IL Tempo
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
