Split on the issue: the broad coalition is banking on the failure of the Melonellum. Gentiloni’s warning

Rome. Now the refrain is: “Meloni, resign”. But is the opposition ready? “We’re ready,” the leaders of the PD-M5S-AVS bloc repeat in unison. Yet the mantra was the programme, but progress is slow. Instead of the square in Padua, which was cancelled, here is Campo Magi, another photo, zoomed out. “In the end, we were the ones who organised the united rally,” jokes the leader of +Europa. “This is where we need to start again.” The rediscovered unifying factor is the electoral law – the majority’s assist that is crumbling over the issue of preferential votes. But the differences – particularly on foreign policy – remain. Paolo Gentiloni and Pierferdinando Casini highlighted this yesterday. Even the FdI ministers within the majority are currently playing it by ear; electoral reform is no longer a certainty. And various Democratic Party leaders are stating it clearly: “The Rosatellum would solve many of our problems.” The broad coalition may reach its goal even whilst divided. Is the Franceschini proposal back on the table?

“March separately, strike together” was the strategy devised by the Democratic Party senator – who made an appearance in the Chamber of Deputies yesterday. Now that the majority is struggling, this strategy may become relevant again, by exploiting the mechanisms of the current electoral law. Throughout yesterday, the opposition continued to call on Meloni “to face the consequences”. Elly Schlein did so, as did Giuseppe Conte, with quizzes on social media and videos. The Prime Minister “is bolted down at Palazzo Chigi, aiming solely for irremovability”. They sense the right’s fatigue and are pressing on. In just one week, the climate has shifted – from the Neapolitan flop that slowed the left’s policy momentum to the government facing the threat of being ousted. But it could change again. The controversies on the right have overshadowed the internal discontent within the broad coalition; whilst some acrimony and certain differences have not, however, been resolved. Kyiv above all. Pierferdinando Casini and Paolo Gentiloni were quick to point this out. “Yesterday I saw a great deal of euphoria; I’d like to make a small observation. Foreign policy is the issue of all issues. Ukraine is not for sale; it must be defended. A coalition that wants to govern must know which side it is on,” says the former prime minister. The former prime minister goes further, pointing out that “Europe is a decisive issue”.

The programme committee should also clarify the vision for Europe, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine. But if everything falls apart, if the government is brought down, as the opposition is demanding, that clarification may come later. During the election campaign? The reformist Democrats continue to emphasise this, almost daily, taking aim at the leader of the M5S. Mr President, how do you respond to these attacks? “Are you referring to the attacks in *Il Foglio*?”, replies Conte with a smile. “We must have the courage to propose a solution.” Even if it won’t please our allies, that is the subtext. “Let’s just say that with Trump and Netanyahu, the West isn’t faring very well.”

Meanwhile, yesterday the leaders of the broad coalition met in the Chamber of Deputies to discuss what unites them and to agree on the strategy to adopt in the Chamber: they gave the green light to the amendment that will allow non-resident MPs to vote. The opposition voted for it alongside the right, before resuming their barrage of criticism against the ‘Melonellum’. But what will become of this reform? “The majority must reflect on this,” argues Democrat Enzo Amendola, “the parties of the deputy prime ministers voted differently from the prime minister. And today, FdI even went after Ziello over the preferential voting system. The move by the League and FI is a signal that goes beyond the amendment; they wanted to undermine the reform.” And they succeeded, even though it seems there were 6–7 rebels within the opposition too (who voted the other way). Honourable Member, are you ready? “Of course; voting straight away is the opposition’s delight,” replies Amendola. And Ukraine? “We’re on the same page; we all want the EU to play a more prominent role, especially after the failure of US mediation. For a just peace, one that doesn’t trample on the Ukrainians and their rights. It’s clear that once in government, we’ll have to face up to reality.” This is where the building of a broad coalition comes in, including the centrists, from Magi to Renzi. How’s it going? “It’s hard work but necessary,” says another former minister, Lorenzo Guerini, spreading his arms wide. Are you confident? “I’m necessarily optimistic.” The work continues. The policy rally in Padua was due to take place yesterday, but there’s no need to make a fuss. “We can hold it in September, and besides, it’s far too hot at the moment,” says Nicola Fratoianni. He emphasises: “The majority lost out again yesterday on the preferential votes.” He hopes the same will happen today, with the final (secret) vote on the electoral law. It would spell the end of the government. That wouldn’t solve the problems with the programme, but it would resolve many others. Split on the issue, perhaps with the Franceschini ruling.

Ruggiero Montenegro