Politics
A newspaper for Elly •
Schlein wants L’Unità (and is considering Susanna Turco as editor-in-chief)
The PD is targeting the historic communist newspaper and has announced an offer. But the publisher, Romeo, is playing for time: “As of today, no proposal has been made. I will consider other expressions of interest.” The secretary’s idea is to entrust the editorship to the journalist with whom she co-wrote her book, "L’Imprevista"
Rome. Schlein wants to reclaim "L’Unità" and has an idea: Susanna Turco as editor-in-chief. The PD says that "L’Unità must return home". Why? To have a newspaper in the run-up to the elections. At the Nazareno, as is well known, this has been under discussion for some time – at least a year. And in discussions between the leader and those closest to her over recent weeks, a few names have also emerged. Such as Turco’s, for the role of editor-in-chief. Who is Turco? A long-standing political columnist for L’Espresso. But she is also, above all, the author of L’Imprevista, Schlein’s dialogue-style book – her first quasi-biography. It was published in September 2024. For the first time, the Democratic Party secretary told her own story in writing, speaking of the “journey of healing within a torn country”. It was an unexpected journey – “both personal and political” – leading to the leadership of the Nazareno. Turco, who has since happily become a mother (congratulations), told Il Foglio: “No, I don’t know anything about it; I’m on holiday. Good evening.”
Since yesterday morning, the PD has finally come out into the open with a post on social media. Many, in fact, advise against the move, deeming it too risky financially. But the secretary and her team are pressing ahead, explaining that they “want to return L’Unità to its people”, as called for by many intellectuals, from Gad Lerner and Edith Bruck to Ivano Fossati. The resources are there; treasurer Michele Fina has balanced the books (there is a profit of 3.6 million and net assets of 5.5). The PD’s proposal envisages a purchase without any shareholding arrangements, excluding the publisher Romeo (who suspended publication of L’Unità in July), who would, however, like to retain a minority stake in some form. And this evening, in a statement, the publisher made it known: “As of today, there is no proposal from the PD. No one can unilaterally set conditions, especially via the press.” And so: “It therefore reserves the right to freely evaluate other expressions of interest received” or to retain ownership of the newspaper. (rdm)
