"Forza Italia must not be afraid of the primaries." Cattaneo (FI) speaks out

The word ‘primaries’ is no longer a taboo within Forza Italia. From Rome to Milan. From Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani to Matteo Perego, the party’s prospective candidate in the Lombard capital. “These are views I share,” Alessandro Cattaneo, a Forza Italia MP who had already suggested a move in this direction a few months ago, tells Il Foglio. "But bear in mind: Tajani – interviewed by *Il Fatto Quotidiano*, ed. – spoke more specifically of broader forms of participation. I believe he is accurately gauging the current climate and the right path to take. We are approaching the general election: for us, these will be the first without President Berlusconi. We will need everyone’s support. The more we manage to broaden our base of support and engage with leading figures both inside and outside the party, the more we will enhance the value of our work. I am also thinking of the internal departments”, for which Cattaneo is the national coordinator, “which act as a driving force at grassroots level. In any case, I believe the secretary’s call is more general in nature than specifically directed at the primaries themselves”.

Terminology aside, Tajani’s message is to put oneself out there: to accept the challenge, and then to revitalise Forza Italia’s internal leadership. “In the run-up to elections, it is always wise to exercise caution, even when it comes to party conferences,” Cattaneo points out. “There are important events on the horizon: we must find common ground and strike a balance amongst the leadership. As for what the best approach might be in this regard, let’s discuss it. But there’s no need to fear primaries. In 2012, they were explosive and groundbreaking: I still have a photo from that time with Giorgia Meloni, when we were collecting signatures for the PdL.” In the end, nothing came of it, and Il Cavaliere resumed the helm. “Every season is different. Today I’d say we still have a year left in government, and a party to renew in the spirit of Berlusconi but without his leadership. A sense of responsibility is needed.”

In Milan, however, Perego was more explicit. “And I understand that. Primaries may be the right option, but we need to be clear: either they become a standard method, or they won’t work on a case-by-case basis.” What do you mean? “It’s not as though they can only apply in Milan, whilst in Naples or Turin choices are made by other means. As for Milan, however, I’ll put my neck on the line: today I’d favour a three-way contest, with Perego as the best candidate, who could be well supported by Lupi and Sardone.” The other two leading contenders to lead the centre-right, from the Moderates and the League: it remains to be seen whether they share Cattaneo’s analysis. “We must proceed with caution and reach a consensus together. Because it could well be that primaries risk dividing rather than uniting us. In any case, I remain confident: the strength of our coalition has always been our ability to find the right people, in harmony with the work of the leadership.”

Final remark. “Be careful not to confuse internal consultations with actual elections: the PD has often relied on primaries and then lost. Or even the other way round: Gentiloni came third in Rome, and look where he is today. So dialogue and openness are all well and good. But with judgement, with judgement.”