Schlein caught in the middle: between Conte and Landini. The strange Meloni–USB alliance

On the one hand, the wealth tax – Maurizio Landini’s ‘algorithm’ – which is aimed at Meloni so that those at the Nazareno – and elsewhere – take note. On the other, the ever-present Giuseppe Conte, who is in a hurry when it comes to primaries but seems to be in a slightly less of a rush when it comes to striking a deal on Kyiv. Instead, he retorts with the cry: ‘You’ll pay for this war’. It is the bumpy path leading to Palazzo Chigi, passing through marquees, tables and difficult mediations. For now, the sherpas are handling it, but the leaders’ turn will soon come. Elly Schlein – who, in the meantime, welcomes Alessio D’Amato’s arrival in the PD following his split with Calenda – is taking notes. Among her notes, one can imagine, she will also have recorded the proposals coming from the CGIL. Landini presented them at a press conference yesterday, shortly before a trade union delegation was received at Palazzo Chigi for a meeting – described as “courteous, but pointless” – with ministers on the Budget Law. “The strike on 20 November is now even more certain,” says the trade union leader, who, in truth, did not expect much from Giorgia Meloni. Rather, the comprehensive reform of the tax system is a message to the broader political spectrum. The trade union can lend a hand, but certain signals will need to be picked up on. From the PD in particular, given that Giuseppe Conte turns up his nose at the mere mention of a wealth tax. Landini’s proposal (called a ‘solidarity contribution’ and ‘potentially worth up to 26 billion’) is more radical than the measure devised by AVS, which had already been branded ‘ideological’ by the M5S. Among the CGIL’s other proposals are a ‘progressivity algorithm’, based on the German model, and a new personal income tax (IRPEF) system, whereby the same income would result in the same tax liability (whereas today it depends on the type of worker). These are points for discussion at the roundtable on the economy and tax justice, scheduled for Monday. This follows the framework agreement signed in the last few hours between the trade unions and employers’ organisations. “Historic”, according to the PD’s economic spokesperson, Antonio Misiani. “Good news” for Schlein. But for Conte, it presents some problems: “The real issue is that there is no guarantee of a minimum wage. The trade unions that have signed it are protective of their power of representation” and bargaining power.

This view is also shared by USB, the trade union which “has 600,000 members, as we have informed the CNEL” and fills the streets in protest against the high cost of living, more so than the institutional left manages to do. “With that agreement, the minimum wage is definitively out of the picture. Instead, the ‘fair wage’ – the one Meloni spoke of in May – is recognised,” leader Guido Lutrario tells Il Foglio during a demonstration outside Palazzo Chigi. Paradoxically, and for other purposes, it is the same line being put forward by FdI’s channels: “The fair wage will be implemented”. Meanwhile, last week a USB delegation met Conte himself regarding a trade union dispute. Is dialogue underway? “We are open to talking to everyone. But we note that when they were in government, no measures were taken in the right direction. When and if they do so, we will be the first to acknowledge it. The universal basic income – concludes Lutrario – even if it is not exactly the measure we would have envisaged, has given a helping hand to those in precarious employment and low-paid work”. The (revised) universal basic income “will be part of the broad coalition’s programme”, said Stefano Patuanelli, although in reality the formula will have to be worked out (perhaps as early as today): there are various points of view.

In any case, it represents one of the M5S’s assets in the campaign for the polling booths as well. The other – and the main one – is the opposition to sending arms to Kyiv: pacifism. This is also a theme for the PD, but one that the former prime minister can downplay even when speaking of support for Ukraine. This is why some within the PD have viewed the campaign “La guerra la paghi tu” with some suspicion. The initiative – not the first to bear this title – organised in Perugia (attended by Mayor Vittoria Ferdinandi and Regional President Stefania Proietti) comes in the wake of the first round of talks on Kyiv. The second round is due to take place next Tuesday, ahead of the decisive discussions between the leaders, which will be far from straightforward. Conte filled the theatre in Perugia and, alongside his attacks on Meloni and the budget, reiterated his positions. This included the need for a minimum wage, which, however, risks being somewhat undermined by the trade union–business agreement. More fuel for discussion – and argument – on the eve of a week that could prove decisive for the broad coalition’s programme. From foreign policy, above all, to the economy and the justice system (where the issue is abuse of office). The refrain is always the same: “We will reach agreement on everything.” But will that be enough?