Tajani backs Perego for Milan mayor as Lega calls for primaries if parties fail to agree

Antonio Tajani, leader of Forza Italia, has proposed Matteo Perego di Cremnago as a candidate for mayor of Milan.

Tajani said the city needs a mayor who understands its identity and residents, from the suburbs to the centre.

He argued that Milan’s mood reflects neither the left nor the far right.

The Lega responded that Milan’s residents should decide who can best revive the city.

It said voters from all neighbourhoods could choose in primaries if the parties cannot reach agreement.

The exchange shows that the centre-right parties have not settled on a shared candidate.

The next step depends on whether the parties agree or move to primaries.