If this were a game of poker, for the center-left this would be everything: everything is at stake. For the center-right, it’s an internal challenge to see who takes home the most chips. In the hope, against all odds, of scoring a royal flush. There are only a few hours left before voting opens in Veneto, Campania and Puglia. And the parties in the election campaign fired the final bullets in the election without fireworks, at least so far. Although more than 15 million citizens were called to vote, a quarter of Italy’s population.
Maybe because the match results are considered to be written even before voting opens, tomorrow (07.00 to 23.00) and Monday (07.00 to 15.00). In at least two of the three regions: Veneto, where the center-right has been steadily winning for thirty years, and Puglia, where the center-left has achieved similar victories for two decades. However, a different story happened in Campania. Where on paper, the progressive front led by five-star Roberto Fico starts from a gap that seems impossible to bridge, also thanks to his ten-year legacy as governor “sheriff” Vincenzo De Luca. However, if progressive groups show optimism and believe in the benefits obtained from secret polls obtained by the former chairman of the DPR, then the majority of them will say that they believe in the existence of a remuntada. «We close at photo-finish», came the prediction of a big name from Campania’s centre-right. Optimism is also fueled by the weight that supporters of Melonian candidate Edmondo Cirielli attribute to the vote split in this round. What this means: right-wing groups are sure many will put a cross on one of Fico’s list of supporters, but then they cross out Cirielli’s name as a presidential candidate.
I HAVE THE SAME FACTS
Even mock ballots with this particular voting method appeared in the chat. Propagated – they say – mainly by candidates from the Deluchian “Head held high” list, many of its supporters would feel “ashamed” to vote for a 5S exponent. And even on social media it is not difficult to find clear calls for separate voting. As did candidate Avs, who on Facebook advised voters to cross out the red-green symbols but also the name of an unrelated presidential candidate (not Fico but Giuliano Granato, frontman of Potere al Popolo and Rifondazione). And the alarm goes off on the left. Is this enough to cast doubt on the centre-left’s claims? Progressives aren’t convinced. Meanwhile, De Luca is threatening to sue Report, which is expected to broadcast a report on alleged irregularities in Campania’s waiting list tomorrow evening (when voting opens). What is certain is that for Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte, defeat in Campania means questioning everything. Starting with alliances. Not to mention the mortgage that will fall on the future Democratic Party Secretary, and the possibility of defeating the center-right in 2027. A ghost that must be exorcised. “Let’s win in Campania and defeat Giorgia Meloni in the elections,” was the mantra repeated on stage Thursday by center-left leaders. Where the Democratic Party must establish itself as the first party, although Fico is predicted to withdraw its effects to the M5S list.
DOUBLE CHALLENGE
Internal competition among the center-right is heating up. With Forza Italia aiming to establish itself as the leading coalition force in Campania to the detriment of FdI. A derby not much different from the derby that sparked anxiety in the majority 700 kilometers away, in Veneto. Where the challenge to finish first is between Melonians and League. After a long back-and-forth, the Northern League accepted the candidacy of Alberto Stefani, deputy, secretary of the Venetian League and Salvini’s number two (whom the center-left opposed with the former mayor of Treviso, Giovanni Manildo). But for the first time, Northern League players are at risk of finishing in second place. With the FdI aiming to take over its allies and already demanding key departments in any future council. A shock that risks shaking the centre-right balance all the way to Rome.
And Puglia? The photo, in this case, is upside down. By the name of Antonio Decaro, former mayor of Bari and MEP, is credited with Bulgaria’s percentage over his center-right opponent, civilian Luigi Lobuono, former president of Fiera del Levante. On paper, the score is 2-1, with no surprises. But who knows: whoever starts with the best cards doesn’t always win the game.
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© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
