Still troublesome for candidates, both in the center-right and center-left.

Troubled waters are brewing in the center-left in Puglia. Antonio Decaro says he's "ready to run" for regional leadership, but on one condition: "to be a free president" and not "held hostage by the decisions of my predecessors." These words are irritating some Democrats and other coalition forces. However, from the Democratic Party leadership, Igor Taruffi , Elly Schlein 's right-hand man, issued a statement calling the MEP's candidacy "the most competitive" and calling on "everyone, starting with those who have held positions of greater political responsibility, to demonstrate generosity without preconditions, but with a focus on teamwork." This implicit message is clearly directed at outgoing governor Michele Emiliano and his predecessor Nichi Vendola , whose intention to run for a seat on the regional council is being vetoed by Decaro himself. Therefore, Puglia still lacks the détente that Elly Schlein was aiming for when she sent Taruffi to Bari a few days ago to mediate. "I will never serve as a councilor in the Puglia regional government. I hope Decaro will be convinced he has nothing to fear from my election," the former magistrate clarified to Repubblica.

Nichi Vendola, Angelo Bonelli, and Nicola Fratoianni at the demonstration (ANSA/ANGELO CARCONI)

This morning, Decaro's comments were followed by Facebook comments: "Puglia doesn't need a half-baked president." The MEP concluded, "If the conditions aren't right for me to return to Puglia, I will continue to work in Europe, for my homeland, loyally supporting the progressive candidate for regional leadership." "An outing chasing likes on social media...", one of the Democrats who considers Decaro's fears unjustified, frowns.

European elections 2024 Carlo Calenda action (rainews.it)

While the Calabria regional committee is expected to formalize Pasquale Tridico 's candidacy this morning (Iv also supports him), in Tuscany, Action has instead confirmed its move away from the broader field, reiterating that "the program signed by M5S and Giani is completely unacceptable and contrary to the initiatives promoted by Giani in recent years." This decision led to Marco Remaschi 's "irrevocable" resignation this evening as regional secretary of Azione, made official at the end of the regional board meeting of Calenda's party.

Antonio Tajani (Ansa)

August 13, 2025

All these movements and divisions are attracting interested observers within the center-right: without Decaro in the running, one of the thinkings being made within the governing majority, the Puglia situation would be less certain. And perhaps this is why the decision on the candidate is being delayed ( Mauro D'Attis of Forza Italia is the frontrunner). The matter is expected to be discussed at the leaders' summit scheduled for early September, although a discussion on the sidelines of next Thursday's Cabinet meeting is not out of the question. "It won't be a question of quotas, but of choosing the best," Antonio Tajani clarifies. Aside from the outgoing governors, Francesco Acquaroli in the Marche region and Roberto Occhiuto in Calabria , the other choices are awaited, starting with Veneto. In Tuscany, Alessandro Tomasi (mayor of Pistoia, of the Brothers of Italy) is "already in the running" but is still awaiting the official investiture of the leaders, explaining that "this wait is a grave mistake."

Roberto Fico (Ansa)

Returning to the Democratic Party, some tension remains in Campania, where Roberto Fico 's official announcement is being held up by negotiations for the regional congress, in preparation for which Sandro Ruotolo has emerged as a possible challenger to Piero de Luca , son of outgoing governor Vincenzo. The center-right candidate remains undecided, with Edmondo Cirielli, Giosy Romano, and Mara Carfagna competing. The League, led by Gianpiero Zinzi , is setting the sole condition of "authoritative" standing, urging its allies to avoid controversy. And Forza Italia warns: "It's a one-way ticket" for aspiring candidates: "We're certain we'll win, but if we lose, we won't return to Rome."