The Democratic Party (PD) is attempting to accelerate its strategy for Puglia, with a decisive move by leader Elly Schlein to unblock the candidacy of Antonio Decaro. This prompted a meeting between the MEP and former Bari mayor, the outgoing governor Michele Emiliano—who has so far been determined not to step aside—Igor Taruffi, Schlein’s right-hand man, and the party’s general secretary Domenico De Santis, who hosted the talks.
The meeting was described as “cordial and constructive” by sources at the PD’s headquarters, the Nazareno, stating that it “laid the groundwork for a common effort for the future of Puglia.” Official communications went no further. However, those following the matter closely note that a clear signal came from the party leadership: everyone must soften their positions to facilitate a solution.
This could therefore be the first step towards a detente destined to clear the way for Decaro’s candidacy. His hesitations were previously linked to the prospect of having two former governors, Nichi Vendola and Emiliano himself, as potentially cumbersome figures in the regional council. In the end, it is not excluded that the latter may renounce a place on the list.
Among the possible scenarios being discussed locally is that the former magistrate [Emiliano] could coordinate Decaro’s electoral campaign and perhaps later take a role as a regional minister. Meanwhile, PD sources consider the deal with the 5-Star Movement (M5S) to run Roberto Fico in Campania to be closed, with an official announcement expected shortly. The knot of the PD’s regional congress remains, however, whose leadership is sought by Piero De Luca, son of the outgoing governor Vincenzo De Luca; the party is debating the timing, between those who want to hold it before the regional election and those who believe it should only be after.
The hours are also crucial for Calabria. The PD awaits a definitive answer (within hours, according to some sources) from Cosenza-native Pasquale Tridico, the former INPS president who entered the European Parliament with the M5S. His social media post a couple of days ago, with a photo of a long table and the message “My Calabria, my land,” was interpreted as a hint, but in the last 48 hours the person in question is said to have expressed renewed doubts. The PD is skeptical of other candidates the M5S could put forward, such as MP Vittoria Baldino. There is a clear distance from Flavio Stasi, the mayor of Corigliano-Rossano. Without a swift agreement, the centre-left could end up divided in Calabria.
The centre-right is also in a period of reflection. After resigning, [Calabrian President] Roberto Occhiuto announced his intention to run again, but within the coalition, the opportunity for a ‘Plan B’ is gaining ground—in case the judicial situation worsens. The hypothesis that Giorgia Meloni might table the name of Luigi Sbarra also circulated, but only denials have arrived, with the former CISL secretary assured to have given no availability for the regional election, preferring to remain focused on his role as undersecretary for the South.
A decision is expected at a summit between Meloni and the other coalition leaders, Matteo Salvini, Antonio Tajani and Maurizio Lupi, which could be held before the end of August. On that occasion, a solution is also awaited for the Veneto puzzle, with the tug-of-war between FdI and the League over indicating the successor to Luca Zaia, as well as the name of the candidate in Campania.
The hypothesis of Edmondo Cirielli (from FdI’s quota) appears to have cooled, unlike that of Giosy Romano (on whom Azione could also converge). Polls have also been commissioned on Mara Carfagna of Noi Moderati, and a civic profile like that of Gianfranco Nicoletti, rector of the Vanvitelli University, is not being ruled out.
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