The broad coalition is attempting to get back on track, amid the electoral law and street protests. Alfieri and Zampa extend an olive branch to Calenda

Rome. The aim of the broad coalition – or at least the intention – is not to get sucked into the endless controversy over the primaries. While Carlo Calenda continues to shift his position, the left is attempting to regain momentum and break the deadlock through joint initiatives: first on the electoral law (with amendments and street protests scheduled for 15 September), then with a counter-manoeuvre and a programme-planning meeting in late September, seeking to define the scope of the coalition. Meanwhile, Elly Schlein’s PD is relaunching today at the Festa dell’Unità. The programme was presented by Igor Taruffi: Matteo Renzi will also be in Reggio Emilia – having already made the rounds at local festivals. It marks a return: he will share the stage with Dario Franceschini, after years of absence from the national stage. But that’s not all. Ahead of Schlein’s closing address on 13 September, trade union secretaries – from Fumarola (CISL) to Bombardieri (UIL) – will be appearing at the event. This includes Maurizio Landini, who will be in dialogue with Confindustria president Emanuele Orsini. It is a programme through which the PD will seek to engage and broaden its appeal. On the other hand, to quote Taruffi’s sentiment: “We are the only force capable of mounting this effort”. From north to south. Among the other guests will be Don Ciotti and Elio Germano. And, returning to politics, mayors and local councillors, including Bersani, Gentiloni and Veltroni. Alongside, of course, all the other leaders of the broad coalition (Conte is due to arrive on the 12th). Carlo Calenda, however, will not be present, although in recent days he has sent out a few signals to the left, in an anti-Vannacci vein. This has met with scepticism but also with openness from sections of the PD. Alessandro Alfieri says: “We want to involve anyone who wishes to build an alternative to the right-wing of Meloni and Vannacci; on some issues, they are no different. We have much in common with Calenda. I hope the conditions are right for us to move forward together.” Another senator, Sandra Zampa, is also of the same mind: “Calenda? I really appreciated what he had to say. Ultimately, there comes a time when you have to understand and make a choice. Even whilst knowing that what we’d like won’t be exactly as we’d like it. Politics is about compromise, but preferably at a high level rather than a low one. Calenda can help us achieve this.”