A photo, a doubt: Gianluca Trani and the Forza Italia influence

The photograph of Gianluca Trani, president of the Ischia City Council, alongside Milanese councilor Federico Benassati, isn't just a reminder of conviviality. It's an image that has already begun to circulate as a potential political signal, prompting observers and experts to question the island's future.

For years, Trani has been an expression of moderate civic spirit, with a history intertwined with Christian Democrat tradition and, more recently, the political legacy of Governor Vincenzo De Luca. This figure, at least until now, has operated quietly, adapting to local dynamics and remaining faithful to a center-left framework. The connection with Benassati—a prominent Forza Italia representative in Milan, a longtime councilor, former candidate for president of the Municipio 1 district, and a key figure in Milanese political life—opens up a new avenue, however, which deserves to be explored beyond appearances.

On the island side, the main mover was Giosi Ferrandino, mayor of Casamicciola and former MEP, who in recent months decided to rejoin Forza Italia under the leadership of Fulvio Martusciello. Giosi Ferrandino's journey, which began in Berlusconi's party over twenty-five years ago, saw him move from the Democratic Party to Italia Viva, then to Azione, until his return home. This was not a solitary move, as Ferrandino encouraged the support of numerous city councilors from Casamicciola and other municipalities on the island, creating a silent but visible movement that shifted the balance of power and relationships. Official groups have not yet been formed in the city councils, but the political choice seems clear.

Enzo Ferrandino, mayor of Ischia and a key figure in the local Democratic Party, takes a different stance. He is deeply rooted in Vincenzo De Luca and his team, particularly through his strong ties to regional councilor Lucia Fortini. His trajectory remains anchored to the center-left in Campania, with which he shares a similar administrative approach and perspective.

In this scenario, Trani's photo with Benassati becomes a source of speculation. Does it really signal a move toward Forza Italia, in line with Giosi Ferrandino's decision, or is it simply another social media snap, the signature style of a councilor who has made digital presence his constant policy? The question is legitimate and, at the moment, unanswered.

The symbolic element remains: a table shared with a prominent national Forza Italia representative, in the midst of an island undergoing a period of political realignment, can hardly be dismissed as a neutral detail. It's a telling image, because it comes at a time when positions are being redefined, political alignments are being restructured, and the center-right is attempting to establish solid roots on Ischia.

The rest, for now, is a matter of interpretation. But in politics—as we know—it's often images, even before statements, that tell the story of the future.