The Green-Left Alliance (Avs) is holding firm on its nomination of Nichi Vendola, while Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein has opened the door to the possibility. The central issue, however, remains the position of Antonio Decaro, who has warned all parties by threatening—quite openly—to step aside, stating: “With former governors, I would not feel free; I am neither indispensable nor irreplaceable.”
This political ping-pong is playing out during the Rome festival of the Avs. The previous gathering was that of the “beer pact,” a toast before photographers between hosts Angelo Bonelli and Nicola Fratoianni, PD secretary Elly Schlein, M5s leader Giuseppe Conte, and +Europa’s Riccardo Magi, who promised to work together.
This year, the photo op is unnecessary. The “beer pact” is now a matter of fact, evident in the alliances for the upcoming regional elections, which see progressive forces united everywhere. Yet, back on stage together at the Avs festival this time, a slight chill is perceptible.
Schlein’s openness is not enough to placate tensions. “It is right for Avs to draw up its own lists,” she said upon arriving at the Monk venue, while adding that Decaro’s candidacy remains “the strongest and most credible.”
“Decaro is the presidential candidate whom all political forces trusted from the very beginning,” explained Fratoianni. “I cannot find a single political reason for him to step back. But it is incomprehensible and unworkable for the presidential nomination to require the withdrawal of Nichi Vendola’s candidacy. There is no reason. Therefore, Avs chooses to nominate Nichi Vendola. Avs is a formidable ally, providing an extraordinary contribution.”
These are hours of frenetic negotiations. The intention was to resolve the Puglia case by Friday, when Schlein and Decaro are scheduled to share the stage at the Puglia Unit festival in Bisceglie. At this point, the hot potato is in the hands of Vendola and Decaro. The parties have already done their work; Fratoianni and Bonelli have stated their position—no second thoughts. The PD has made the moves it could, but it has not been enough to break the deadlock. Contingency plans are now being seriously studied, as everyone works to find a solution, though a rupture is not ruled out.
Asking Vendola to step aside now appears difficult. “I would advise against it,” said Bonelli. “Decaro’s demand is an invasion of others’ sovereignty. We will not yield an inch because what is at stake is not just a candidacy but the credibility of an entire coalition.” This is especially true as Fratoianni and Bonelli have already made sacrifices for the coalition, the latest being forgoing their claim to nominate the presidential candidate in Calabria and instead aligning with the allies’ choice of M5s MEP Pasquale Tridico.
The next move is now expected from Decaro. He can either “swallow” Vendola’s candidacy or decide to abandon the Puglia project and continue his work as an MEP. In that case, while there are no other official names for the Puglia presidency, that of Boccia has been circulating for some time.
As the knot remains untied, the core of the broad camp is on stage at the Avs festival: the leaders of Avs, PD, and M5s. Magi of +Europa is absent this year, though the hosts deny political motives. The regional elections are also an outcome of that “beer pact,” but they remain a starting point. The ultimate goal is the 2027 general elections.
“From that photo a year ago, steps forward have been taken,” said Bonelli. “A broad alliance has been formed in these regional elections. This is an important element that leads me to say that immediately after the regional elections, a path of programmatic discussion must be built: the topic is what we want to do with Italy.”
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