Turco (M5S) steps up the pace: “We’re ready for the primaries. It’s our turn. We need to identify a leader soon”

The primaries? “We’re ready. It’s up to us,” assures Senator Mario Turco. “It was the other progressive forces who proposed this method for selecting the leadership; we went along with it. If there are other criteria, such as those adopted in the regional elections, we’re open to discussing them. Who will lead the coalition must be identified in good time, regardless of the voting system.” The vice-president of the M5S, one of Conte’s closest aides, speaks to Il Foglio immediately after the Senate gave the green light to the preliminary agreements on autonomy, the measure so dear to Matteo Salvini. Shortly before, the Chamber of Deputies had given its initial approval to the electoral law sought by Meloni. Turco has no doubts: “It is an unacceptable political trade-off.” 

The M5S deputy leader spoke to Il Foglio during a break in the Senate’s proceedings. He reiterated: “It is an unacceptable deal, and we denounced it immediately in the Chamber. The coincidence between the two measures shows that there was a deal between the Lega and FdI. It is yet further proof of Meloni’s inability to govern.” Was the Prime Minister fearing fresh tensions within her majority? “It is no coincidence that these laws are being introduced after more than 30 centre-right MPs failed to vote for FdI’s proposal on preferential voting. A deal struck at the expense of the Italian people. Differentiated autonomy will penalise not only the South, but also the most vulnerable areas of the North: it is a law that truly divides Italy, in breach of the Constitution”.

Yet, in this very sense, the two measures approved yesterday by both Houses could strengthen the opposition’s ranks. A new unifying force? “Together with President Conte, we have launched an alliance to defend the Constitution. The obvious overreach on electoral law and regional autonomy will make the progressive coalition even stronger.” The issues on the left, however, remain, whilst discussions on the programme have been postponed until after the summer. “We are ready, even if Meloni were to fall tomorrow. It is now clear that she is no longer capable of governing, which is why we are calling for her to leave Palazzo Chigi.” But shouldn’t we be sending a signal, stepping up our work on joint proposals? “A policy framework already exists; for four years,” explains Turco, “we have been working with the opposition on many issues, from the economy to taxation, and from business to welfare and pensions. Meanwhile, the majority is wasting time on electoral reform and ignoring the country’s real emergencies. And now it is even chasing after Vannacci, with whom FdI is now marching side by side.” On the right, however, the leadership is resolute. Not yet within the opposition. Will the primaries decide this? “We’re open to it,” replies Turco. “It was the other progressive forces who proposed them, and we’ve gone along with it. There are also models that have already been successfully trialled, such as in Campania, Puglia and Sardinia. In any case, the coalition’s leadership must be decided well in advance, regardless of the electoral law under which the vote will take place.” Whilst it is true that the majority is in difficulty, the opposition also needs to build momentum. And a formula that suits everyone: a two-round system, polling stations, digital voting. Do you have any preferences? “Today there are two influential leaders, Schlein and Conte. Whatever the formula, it must identify not only who has the best chance of winning, but above all who is truly capable of governing.” For Turco, that profile is that of the former M5S Prime Minister. “The strongest criticism we level at Meloni is her inability to govern. She is stuck in a rut, preoccupied solely with wielding power whilst the problems facing Italians remain unresolved. We,” concludes Turco, “cannot afford to make the same mistake.”