Crisanti (PD): “The Acerbo row is pointless. We need to vote in Palestine; if Hamas wins, so be it.”

Senator Crisanti, have you heard Maurizio Acerbo’s latest comment? “This is a pointless row; it is up to the Palestinians to choose who represents them – it is not our problem.” The right is attacking you. A section of the PD – the reformists – is already up in arms. To say he does not agree with Comrade Acerbo’s views would be an understatement; the Democrats have ‘lent’ Andrea Crisanti to him to help establish a faction in the Senate.

Is Rifondarola still convinced of his choice? "I repeat, that’s not the point." And what is? "Objectively speaking, the Palestinians are victims of brutal repression. The situation in the West Bank is appalling; we see it every day. We should fight to ensure that the Palestinians can hold free elections and decide who should represent them.” Even Hamas? “If it were Hamas, so be it – if that’s what they’ve decided. It’s up to the Palestinians to choose their own representatives,” replies the virologist before taking his leave. “Do you remember what Andreotti used to say? Had he been in Palestine, he might never have made it into Parliament.”