Politics · Italy · 1 day ago
Schlein rejects a centrist deal as Italy’s opposition leaders discuss primaries
Elly Schlein, leader of Italy’s Democratic Party, said she would not support broad political deals with centrist forces.
She argued that seeking centrist support had repeatedly failed the center-left.
Schlein and Giuseppe Conte, leader of the 5-Star Movement, are competing to lead a broad opposition alliance.
Conte called for the parties to meet and settle the alliance’s program within two weeks.
They disagree in particular over sending weapons to Ukraine.
Conte said the alliance would hold primaries if it could not agree on another candidate, and Schlein said she would accept primaries if they helped keep the alliance together.
Nicola Fratoianni of the Green and Left Alliance said the parties should agree on a program before deciding how to choose their leader.
Elly Schlein rejected a centrist deal-making strategy as Italy’s opposition leaders discussed how to choose a candidate to lead their coalition.
The Democratic Party leader said she was ready to take part in primaries if they would keep the alliance united.
Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte said the coalition could agree on a programme within two weeks and that primaries should decide its candidate.
The opposition alliance remains divided over issues including arms for Ukraine.
Conte said the proposed option of a third candidate was no longer possible.
- Who
- Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein, Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte and other opposition leaders.
- What
- Schlein rejected a centrist deal-making strategy, while leaders discussed primaries and the coalition programme.
- When
- October 10, 2026. The article says the leaders spoke at events that day.
- Where
- At the Festa del Foglio and the Festival del Manifesto in Italy.
- Why
- They are discussing how to unite the opposition and select a candidate to lead it.
Elly Schlein
Supporters of a more centrist candidate
Approach to winning
Elly Schlein
Schlein said the centre had repeatedly failed to deliver victories and rejected broad deals.
Supporters of a more centrist candidate
They argue that a more moderate candidate, more appealing to centrists, would be preferable.
Candidate selection
Elly Schlein
Schlein said she was open to primaries if they would keep the alliance united.
Supporters of a more centrist candidate
Some party currents have urged Schlein to step aside for a third candidate, the article says.
I say: never again broad deals
In a couple of weeks we can close it
The primaries will not be divisive
Primaries are not the best tool, but if no other solution is found, do what can be done
Schlein spoke at the Festa del Foglio and rejected the idea that the opposition should seek a more centrist candidate.
At the Festival del Manifesto, Schlein reiterated her opposition to broad deals and said she was open to primaries if they would keep the alliance together.
Conte called for the coalition to agree on a programme within two weeks and said primaries should select its candidate.
- Publication date
- October 10, 2026
- Schlein’s party
- Democratic Party
- Conte’s party
- Five Star Movement
- Programme timetable proposed by Conte
- Two weeks
- Issue dividing the alliance
- Arms for Ukraine
Sources
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