Whilst awaiting a programme and a leader, the ‘democratic alarm’ returns on the left

Whilst awaiting the manifesto, the primaries and the leader, the broad coalition is sharpening its weapons and strategy against the ‘Melonellum’. The ‘democratic alarm’ is back, amid legal challenges, street protests and initiatives: the event – the first in the series following the summer break – is in Milan on Monday. The Constitution, on the other hand, is the best unifying force within the centre-left, which – on the issue of electoral law – manages to hold together a front ranging from Italia Viva and +Europa to Rifondazione Comunista, right through to civil society: they will all be present at the conference organised by the Demo Foundation, led by Gianni Cuperlo, alongside the legal experts from Costituzione e Democrazia and Articolo 21. It will be one of the main themes of the election campaign, which has already begun. So much so that, when the microphones are switched off, various figures from the broad coalition admit that the approval of the ‘Melonellum’ would provide further fuel for mobilisation: ‘Then the Constitutional Court will take care of overturning the reform.’

The appeals are almost ready and “will be lodged in October”, explained Professor Roberto Zaccaria, who coordinates the group of experts working on this issue. It will then take a few months for the Constitutional Court to respond, although the PD hopes that 60 days may suffice. Zaccaria, who aims “to recreate the spirit of the referendum”, will be one of the key figures at Monday’s event entitled: “Dalla parte della Costituzione. Contro una legge che cambia gli equilibri costituzionali”. It follows the marathon event organised in Rome at the end of June. Among the key figures in Milan will be Enrico Grosso, former head of the ‘No’ committee against the justice reform, alongside journalists, representatives from ARCI and ANPI. Not to mention, of course, representatives from the political parties. This is a tried-and-tested formula that extends well beyond the confines of the parliamentary centre-left and on which the opposition is also relying in the run-up to the forthcoming general election, in an attempt to broaden the battle against Meloni and her government. Further events are scheduled for the coming days across the rest of Italy, from north to south. Meanwhile, Landini will also dedicate the CGIL’s national rally on 17 October to the defence of the Constitution.

The fate of the electoral law will, in any case, also be decisive in clarifying the dynamics and next moves of the broad coalition. From Conte to Schlein, hopes are pinned on mavericks: after all, many – even on the right – dislike the Stabilicum, whilst the Lega and Forza Italia are experiencing a period of internal tension, which could encourage defections. The leader of the M5S has made it clear that he would like primaries even under the Rosatellum, but there are those who hope this prospect can be avoided. Fratoianni and Bonelli are now repeating this on a daily basis, calling for the programme to be fast-tracked. Two days ago, Conte also put an end to the delays, taking a dig at Schlein: “We are ready, but we cannot meet on our own.” On Wednesday, after criticising Meloni over the education decree, the secretary responded during her address to ‘Generazione Ventotene’, an initiative organised by young members of the Democratic Party: ‘The common platform already exists and is well advanced’. On the remaining issues—Kyiv and foreign policy—‘an agreement will be reached’, the secretary stated, once again urging Meloni to set a date. “Tell us when the vote is.”

On 2 October, the PD will hold an executive committee meeting to refine its manifesto, but primaries will also be discussed. The possibility of a second candidacy (Giorgio Gori?) remains on the table, and within the minority faction, views on the matter vary. The reformists will meet today in Prato for the minority faction’s national assembly and will also address this issue, alongside policy matters (support for Kyiv first and foremost). But yesterday, Gori himself, whilst taking part in the ‘primaries of ideas’ organised by Casa Riformista, sent a clear message to the Nazareno: “The PD must exercise its role as the coalition’s leading force; let’s not allow ourselves to be walked all over.”