Edward Marchesi The Democratic Party hosted a major national assembly in the capital, promoted by Terra Comunale . Secretary Elly Schlein openly announced that the Progressive Alliance 's goal is to maintain unity among the left, constantly avoiding the traditional attempts at division by right-wing forces.
National Assembly of Terra Comune in Rome: Schlein's speech
In the heart of Rome, before delegates from numerous movements, Schlein emphasized the value of a method based on mutual listening . "Here, we don't all think the same way on every issue, but we've decided to listen to one another," he declared, adding that differences must become a competitive advantage in building shared syntheses.
This approach, he explained, is the backbone of the work with the forces of the Progressive Alliance which aims to transform disagreements into electoral strength.
The listening and synthesis method
Schlein outlined the new operating model: thematic groups, discussion tables, and a digital platform for gathering proposals. The expected result is a unified political line capable of "taking a step forward together."
This approach, he emphasized, is already underway in the drafting of the broad-based resolution that will define the progressive program.
The Broad Field's Single Document: 21 Points for a Progressive Alternative
The broad camp approved a resolution containing 21 points on economic and social policy . Among the issues addressed are sustainable growth, job creation, wage increases, equal leave, the defense of universal healthcare, the right to housing, and an industrial policy strategy aimed at promoting green recovery. The proposal has been described as "a first draft of the progressive alliance's program" and will serve as the basis for the upcoming parliamentary discussions.
No to rearmament and military spending
A crucial point of the resolution is the rejection of rearmament . The common position of progressive forces is the refusal to increase military spending, arguing that "Italians can't eat or care for themselves with weapons." This phrase, uttered during the debate, underscored the desire to allocate public resources to welfare and development policies rather than to expanding military budgets.
The Ukrainian issue and the positions of Conte and Provenzano
Despite the unity shown on many issues, the Ukraine issue remains a painful thorn. Giuseppe Conte's party, present at the same assembly, issued a resolution calling for a "no to rearmament" in its own formulation, highlighting that support for the Ukrainian conflict is still the subject of heated internal debate. Giuseppe Provenzano, foreign affairs director of Schlein's secretariat, acknowledged that the issue will not be resolved "overnight" and that the parties will present separate resolutions at the European Council, as the right has always done in the past.
Democratic Party's internal calendar: from Rondine to the October extension.
In parallel with the programmatic discussions, the party is organizing crucial decision-making sessions. On October 15th, Democratic Party parliamentarians will gather at Rondine, a Citadel of Peace in the province of Arezzo, for a two-day conclave aimed at solidifying Schlein's candidacy in the primaries. The following day, Sunday, October 18th, the national assembly will vote on extending Schlein's mandate ahead of the primary elections and the spring general elections. This is a unique case in the party's history, as no secretary has ever completed a full four-year statutory term.
The meeting also featured moments of personal warmth: Schlein and Conte exchanged a public embrace, a symbol of their desire for dialogue even as differences on foreign policy persist. With these steps, the Democratic Party intends to project an image of unity and decision-making capacity, ready to challenge the right-wing opposition in the upcoming elections.