Andrea Innocenti In recent days, the center-left opposition has encountered difficulties even with grassroots actions, such as organizing a sit-in against the new electoral law . Riccardo Magi 's attempt to raise awareness of the so-called "hunger strike" received a response from Giorgia Meloni but also highlighted the Five Star Movement (M5S) leaders' uneasiness about shared initiatives.
At the same time, relations between Giuseppe Conte and Elly Schlein have strained. Behind-the-scenes details of missed meetings and discussions about a potential third candidate have led the Democratic Party to focus exclusively on the primaries, while the Democratic Party secretary appears more cautious, concerned about internal dynamics and the Constitutional Court's ruling on the so-called "Melonellum" law.
Conte forces green light for January primaries
During a session of the Chamber of Deputies, Conte reiterated that the timing of the primaries must be dictated by the need to be ready and prepared . The former prime minister suggested a January date, arguing that a closer schedule would avoid "a count close to the election campaign."
The goal, according to him, is to ensure consistency with voters, avoiding the uncertainty that risks weakening the center-left . Furthermore, Conte announced that the issue will be discussed with allies, suggesting close collaboration with the M5S and the PSI.
A key aspect of his strategy is his consensus: 60-70 percent of Italians, according to Conte, share the M5S's vision and would favor a swift decision on the primaries. Meanwhile, government leader Giorgia Meloni will be present in the Chamber for the communications prior to the European Council, creating a political framework in which internal struggles intertwine with decisions at the European level.
Schlein and the PD resist a rush
Elly Schlein, secretary of the Democratic Party, expressed greater caution. While acknowledging the importance of the primaries , she emphasized that her agenda is still being finalized, especially in light of the next PD assembly scheduled for the 18th, during which the statute and the possible postponement of the congress will be discussed. Schlein also emphasized that the defense of the Constitution remains the fundamental unifying factor of the center-left, but that its implementation requires broader consensus among the various stakeholders.
The rift between Conte and Schlein was accentuated by a brief, interrupted exchange in the Chamber: "Hi Giuseppe, I'll talk to you later," Schlein said, suggesting a certain distance between the two. Meanwhile, the M5S has responded with a series of bilateral meetings, but friction remains, especially regarding the youth participation bill and positions on Kyiv.
Five Star Movement, the Kyiv issue, and tensions over electoral law
The Five Star Movement, represented by Fratoianni Bonelli and Magi, has taken a firm stance against the supply of weapons to Kyiv . Conte has stated that he will continue to push this point relentlessly, calling it a non-negotiable element of his agenda. Meanwhile, the internal debate within the Five Star Movement on the electoral law has been complex: the attempt to organize a mass demonstration has been hampered by reluctance and the difficult management of differences with the Democratic Party.
In the broader context, the upcoming votes on the anti-antisemitism resolution and the Kyiv bill will be debated on the 14th between the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, creating a "duel" with Prime Minister Meloni. For Conte, these discussions represent a "preparation" for the primaries, an opportunity to consolidate his message to voters who, as he stated, constitute 60-70 percent of the center-left's support.