Renzi in Cernobbio: “If the centre-left agrees on specific points in a German-style pact, it will win”

“If the centre-left agrees on specific points through a German-style coalition agreement, it will not only oust Urso and Salvini but can also present to Europe the image of an Italy that plays a leading role, rather than one that merely drifts along.” This was stated yesterday by Italia Viva leader Matteo Renzi during his speech at the Ambrosetti Forum, whilst discussing the centre-left coalition. The former prime minister sat at the table alongside other opposition leaders Elly Schlein, Angelo Bonelli and Giuseppe Conte. “But I’m not part of the ‘broad coalition’,” he clarified. “I –” he explained – “and we at Italia Viva are part of something slightly broader known as the centre-left.”

During his speech, Renzi spoke about the government: “Giorgia Meloni is pleased to have broken the record for longevity, but ISTAT figures show us a country with more people living in poverty, lower purchasing power and rising everyday costs. ‘The centre-left must propose solutions to this,’ he said. His speech, however, focused on economic measures, as it was delivered to the audience at the Ambrosetti Forum. He also spoke about the upcoming elections: ‘Can Giorgia Meloni present herself to the Italian people by allying with Vannacci? In my view, no, because that would mean not only destroying her coalition but everything she has worked on over the past few years.’ In his view, "the real issue is not being caught off guard by Vannacci or Monti, but recognising that if Vannacci sides with Meloni, Meloni loses face. If Vannacci does not side with Meloni, Meloni loses the election. In either case, I’d say we’re in for a rather interesting year".

On the date of the forthcoming elections, Renzi says: “It would be logical to hold the vote in May – Milan, Turin, Rome, Naples and Palermo are all voting; half of Italy is voting – so I think it would be logical to hold the vote in the spring to avoid a summer election campaign.” He goes on to discuss the alliance: “I think Giorgia Meloni has every interest in attacking the opposition, but if Meloni is in government, it’s because we were divided last time. The Prime Minister has never had 40 per cent, not even 30 per cent; she got 25.9 per cent – the same percentage by which Bersani lost. They won because we were divided.”