The center-right is already thinking about voting. Tajani: "A civic candidate with Calenda."
MILAN – A public appeal to Carlo Calenda and Azione, ahead of the Milan elections—whenever they happen—and who knows what happens next. Forza Italia Secretary Antonio Tajani , who unlike members of the FdI and the League, has never called for Beppe Sala 's resignation because "we truly believe in guarantors," is however looking to the future: "We must work to build consensus among the productive bourgeoisie, among the reformist world." Therefore, he argues, "the boundaries of the center-right must be broadened." Hence the invitation to Calenda: "With a civic candidate, we could even gain consensus. I think that's the best option. I have a few ideas; we'll see."
The direct invitation to Azione is a novelty for the Forza Italia party, but the maneuvers have been underway for some time. In May, Forza Italia's pride day in Milan was held, and the only representative from another party was Azione MP Giulia Pastorella . It was already explained then that to win in liberal and pro-market Milan, a non-political name was needed, and "to speak to reformists, including those from the Democratic Party who are uncomfortable in a party that lets Bonelli and Fratoianni dictate its issues," said regional secretary Alessandro Sorte . Incidentally, this is Marina Berlusconi's stance, allergic to extremists, including those on the right.
Calenda will now let the appeal fall on deaf ears, to avoid any exploitation of the mayor, who Pastorella himself once again firmly supported in the chamber yesterday. Shareholders are confident that the center-left, for the post-Sala era, "will find a non-ideological candidate who would otherwise risk losing. This is step number one," is the reasoning going on behind the scenes. If this step were not to happen, however, everything could change. The "civic" guessing game within FI? Ferruccio Resta , former rector of the Polytechnic; the president of the bar association , Antonino La Lumia ; the entrepreneur Giovanni Bozzetti . "Sala remains desperately clinging to his seat, but a change is needed, and it's needed now," comments Carlo Fidanza , a strongman of the Milanese flame. And the League is not giving up either: "The city has become a tailor-made boutique for millionaires, insecure, disheartened, and paralyzed, incapable of retaining young people, precarious workers, or the middle class. The center-left has failed and should allow the people of Milan to return to the polls."
La Repubblica
