La Repubblica and the silence surrounding the primaries

Seeking alternatives to Schlein and Conte is legitimate, of course. Seeking them without upsetting the voters is another matter. So here is a question, asked sincerely and without malice, to our colleagues at Repubblica: why, when it comes to the primaries, do you not take a stand? The question is sincere: but dear friends at Repubblica, you who are the newspaper of the PD’s long-standing leading figure, shouldn’t you be the leading voice in the primaries? We ask this out of curiosity: seeking alternatives to Schlein and Conte is perfectly legitimate, but why look for them behind the scenes rather than asking the voters directly?

The timid put forward third-party names, figurehead candidates, and straw men. The brave, usually, put forward candidates. The difference is that the latter risk losing, whilst the former risk nothing more than being contradicted. You might say: they are divisive. But if the broad coalition cannot withstand a debate, how is it supposed to sustain a government? If discussing Ukraine, defence and security causes the alliance to collapse, is the problem the debate or the alliance itself? A candidate chosen specifically to avoid answering questions does not become an answer. The PD, as you well know, was founded on the primary system; Schlein owes her leadership to the primaries; Prodi derived his legitimacy from over four million participants. Is it possible that the legacy of the Olive Tree coalition should be preserved in its entirety, except for the voters’ right to choose who represents them? Is it possible that participation is wonderful until it calls into question the agreements made by those gathered round the fireside? There are two paths: coalition primaries open to all, or PD primaries, without postponing the party congress. Anyone who thinks they are better than Schlein should challenge her. Anyone who believes they can lead the broad coalition better than Conte should stand as a candidate. They should put forward a programme, address dissent and ask for votes. They should not be looking for a friendly face to put forward in their own place. Less casting, more competition. Fewer rumours about saviours, more questions for the challengers. The right candidate is not the one who wins over the editors: it is the one who convinces the voters. That is our view. What is yours?