The center-right takes a week off, with 'winning names'

The center-right is taking another week to resolve the regional elections: the leaders' summit served to "begin constructive discussions on candidates, with the shared goal of identifying authoritative and successful figures capable of best representing the regions and citizens' needs." And within the center-left, Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte, along with outgoing governor Vincenzo De Luca, are strengthening their coalition for Campania, to "define the scope of the programmatic debate" and open a discussion to determine the candidate to succeed him.

It all happened in the evening. For the majority leaders, Giorgia Meloni, Antonio Tajani, Matteo Salvini, and Maurizio Lupi, the meeting took place away from prying eyes, likely at the prime minister's Roman residence—as was the case for a budget meeting in November 2024—at the end of a day in which politicians focused on Milan. Discussions about the post-Sala presidency intensified within the coalition. Antonio Tajani proposed focusing on a civic candidate and launched an appeal to Azione to join the coalition for this electoral challenge. "I have a few ideas," the FI leader admitted, pointing to the need to capture the vote of the "productive bourgeoisie and the reformist world" in the Lombardy capital.

Meanwhile, the regional elections are the priority. Before the afternoon summit, a meeting at Palazzo Chigi between Meloni and Northern League member Massimiliano Fedriga, governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia, did not go unnoticed. Fedriga assured that, as president of the Conference of the Regions, he had addressed the budget approval issues related to the fall elections. Luca Zaia also spoke shortly beforehand, reiterating that a list bearing his name in Veneto would not be a novelty and "represents a large portion of the electorate that often does not vote center-right." The allies are skeptical about the idea, even in the scenario in which the candidate would be a representative of the Northern League. This is a sticking point Meloni has reportedly not yet resolved. "The center-right remains united and determined to continue working together," was the position expressed in a joint statement at the end of the meeting, which will be followed by another "next week to continue the discussion." A comprehensive agreement is also being sought, a compromise with Puglia (so far, the main focus has been on Mauro D'Attis of the Northern League, but the League's deputy secretary Roberto Vannacci is also a possibility) and Campania (Edmondo Cirielli or Giosy Romano of the Brothers of Italy remain in pole position, but FI is also coveted). There is less doubt about Tuscany, where the race is expected to be between the mayor of Pistoia, Alessandro Tomasi (FdI) and the outgoing governor, Eugenio Giani (Democratic Party). "I think we can reach a definition, clarification, and officialization by the end of July," Giani explained, leaving it to "the party's activity and development of negotiations." What is certain, at this point, is that the elections will not be postponed, nor even an election day. Fedriga takes this for granted, because "each region is proceeding independently" and "the time is running out." The Marche region, for example, has called elections for September 28 and 29, as decided by the council led by Francesco Acquaroli, opposed by Matteo Ricci, who will challenge the outgoing president. "Once again," the Democratic Party member stated, "they have put alleged party interests before the interests of the community. It was unnecessary to vote in September, interfering with the tourist season and the start of school." As president of the Conference of Regions, Fedriga reiterated his concern to Meloni that the vote could force the affected regions into provisional budgets. "I will also consult with Minister Giorgetti to see if a law can be passed to safeguard the budgets and avoid putting the regions in difficulty," he explained, emphasizing the need to also focus on "the PNRR's expiration in 2026."