The reaction of the PD’s reformists to Schlein’s interview with "Il Foglio"

“The interview in Il Foglio reveals that her party’s secretary has strong support for Ukraine, but also advocates a European vision of pragmatic federalism. Two essential elements in building a coalition.” This is what Lia Quartapelle, a PD MP, told Il Foglio when commenting on Elly Schlein’s interview with this newspaper, in which Schlein emphasised that it is “unacceptable to think that anyone in Europe could consider redrawing borders through the use of force”. Quartapelle says she wholeheartedly agrees with these words. “This interview was a good opportunity to clarify the PD’s position to a wider audience.” During the interview, Schlein said she would not veto Carlo Calenda, leader of Azione. “I agree with this approach. I think we lost in 2022 because the opposition was divided, and if we don’t want to see a repeat of that, we must find common ground,” says the MP. What message is Schlein sending to allies across the broad coalition with her words? “She is setting clear boundaries on the issues from which we begin our dialogue with our allies,” replies Quartapelle. “And it is clear that these boundaries are firmly established.”

Giorgio Gori shares this view. “In her interview with Il Foglio, Elly Schlein reaffirms her commitment to supporting Ukraine’s resistance ‘by any means necessary’, including with weapons. It is important that she states this so clearly,” the PD MEP said on social media, adding that “this is and remains the Democratic Party’s line. Friends across the political spectrum, take note,” he concluded.

Also on social media, PD Senator Filippo Sensi wrote that he had found in the interview “a clear, unequivocal reaffirmation of support – including military support – for Ukraine, and a call for a European defence strategy that also involves SAFE. This is and will remain the PD’s position,” he concluded