Onorato (alongside Conte) takes to the streets to protest against the Melonellum. Renzi attacks the M5S

Alongside Alessandro Onorato, next to the banners of Progetto Civico Italia (PcI), are those of Rifondazione Comunista. There is even one featuring Che Guevara and another depicting Lenin. So much for the ‘Ursula majority’. Opposing the massive petition drive required by the Melonellum for new parties is an extra-large coalition. Barricades are being prepared and appeals to the Constitutional Court are being lodged. Giuseppe Conte arrives, followed by Francesco Boccia representing the PD and Elly Schlein (who is absent), and Angelo Bonelli for AVS. The only one missing is Matteo Renzi’s Italia Viva, and this is certainly no coincidence, because behind the formation of the centre—or rather, the various centres—within the anti-Meloni alliance, there are suspicions and acrimony.

This is the protest organised outside the Senate – following a short march passing through Piazza Navona – by Onorato’s PcI, which had also written to Sergio Mattarella and vowed to fight against the legislation dubbed the ‘anti-bush’ law. There are a few hundred people in attendance. Some participants are distracted, attempting to register for tickets to see Oasis, who are due to arrive in Rome, as Onorato himself had confirmed shortly before the protest. Speaking through a megaphone, the Rome city councillor – endorsed by Goffredo Bettini – refers to it as a "rule to save the caste", a "fraudulent measure" that is "surreal and unworthy of a democratic country". To stand for election, 6,000 signatures per constituency will be required. ‘Whereas Meloni, with FdI, “entered Parliament in 2013 having collected 40,000”’, recalls Onorato, accompanied by Ismaele La Vardera (with Dino Giarrusso) and his administrators. This argument would also be used shortly afterwards by Conte – the first of the leaders from the broad coalition to arrive (and also the first to leave). But it was enough to join the battle against “this anti-democratic and illiberal obscenity”, the former prime minister would say, also referring to the “elite”.

He does not want to talk about Ukraine, yet even the M5S is vowing to put up a fight against the electoral law, on which a vote is expected in the Senate tomorrow, before its final passage through the Chamber of Deputies for final approval. The banners of ‘Ora’, Michele Boldrin’s party, and a ‘Volt’ placard can also be seen in the square. None of them want to be called a ‘bush’. One by one, following Onorato’s speech, the various leaders of the smaller parties take the floor: from Maurizio Acerbo of Rifondazione Comunista to Enzo Maraio of the PSI. They invoke the Constitution and denounce ‘the coup d’état’. Riccardo Magi is not present – it is the day of Emma Bonino’s lying-in-state – but +Europa is backing the fight. The Democrat Boccia goes on the offensive against Meloni, who is changing the rules to cling to her seat: “The only thing she has produced in these four years is Vannacci.” He then announces that “we will take this scam to the Constitutional Court”. In Parliament, consideration is still being given to the possibility of facilitating the creation of a new faction within the Mixed Group by seconding MPs elected under other parties’ banners, so as to spare the PCI (and others) the need to collect signatures.

A few days ago, the PD did not seem enthusiastic about the solution. But Boccia is not backing down: “We have always lent a hand to ensure the coalition’s unity.” He cites similar precedents with +Europa and the autonomous regions, to which the Democrats have “lent” MPs. He then adds: “Whatever needs to be done, we will do it.” It is a path from which Onorato, as he himself puts it, would prefer to steer clear: “We don’t want tactical manoeuvres.” Such moves would smack of backroom politics. The idea was first championed by the M5S a few days ago, which helped to further fuel Matteo Renzi’s suspicions that Conte is working to build another centrist bloc to oust IV. But also to secure another ally ahead of the primaries, bearing in mind that IV is on Schlein’s side. “The Five Star Movement knows that a veto against us is inexplicable, especially after we secured more votes than them in certain regions such as Tuscany and still helped Fico in Campania with 7 per cent,” writes Renzi in his newsletter. “But we’re still in the running. It seems right to me at this stage,” he continues, “to field two separate lists: after all, we have nothing in common with hardliners like Ingroia”It is a challenge within a challenge, within the broad coalition, with an eye on the campaign trail. Reformists versus administrators. This is another reason why Elly Schlein has decided to mobilise her team of local administrators, with an event in Verona scheduled for November. Mayors are capable of attracting votes. But first, there is a leadership role to be won.