Politics · Italy · 1 hr ago
Dissident group in South Tyrol’s Forza Italia criticises party leadership
In Bolzano, in Italy’s South Tyrol region, former lawmaker Giorgio Holzmann has helped launch Forza Alto Adige, an association for people unhappy with Forza Italia’s management.
The group says it wants to develop political proposals and provide political training, not start a new party.
Members criticise commissioner Christian Bianchi, accusing him of failing to hold internal meetings and favouring his supporters.
Bianchi is in China for the cycling world championships and will face the group’s criticism when he returns.
Bolzano councillors Patrizia Daidone and Manuel Nardo reject the claims that their group is silenced or unable to put forward ideas.
They say an agreement among the city’s governing parties means they do not submit motions, and that this is not an order from Bianchi.
They also say they support him, but warn that the presence of their group leader at the new association’s launch has opened a difficult rift.
Former Italian parliamentarian Giorgio Holzmann has launched Forza Alto Adige, a political committee of dissatisfied Forza Italia members in South Tyrol.
The group says it aims to develop political proposals and prevent members from leaving the party.
Its members accuse party commissioner Christian Bianchi of limiting internal discussion and favouring his allies.
Bolzano city councillors Patrizia Daidone and Manuel Nardo reject the accusations and say they support Bianchi.
They say an agreement among the city’s governing parties, not an order from Bianchi, explains why they do not submit motions.
- Who
- Former parliamentarian Giorgio Holzmann and other dissatisfied Forza Italia members formed Forza Alto Adige. Bolzano councillors Patrizia Daidone and Manuel Nardo support commissioner Christian Bianchi.
- What
- The new committee criticised the party’s leadership and called for change. The councillors rejected its claims.
- When
- The article was published on 12 October 2026 and described the committee’s launch as happening the previous day.
- Where
- The committee’s launch meeting was at the Sheraton in Bolzano, South Tyrol.
- Why
- The committee aims to develop political proposals and prevent dissatisfied members from leaving Forza Italia. Its members object to what they describe as a lack of internal discussion and Bianchi’s favouritism.
Forza Alto Adige committee
Forza Italia councillors Patrizia Daidone and Manuel Nardo
Internal discussion
Forza Alto Adige committee
The committee’s members say internal discussion is impossible and political choices are not sufficiently shared.
Forza Italia councillors Patrizia Daidone and Manuel Nardo
The councillors say they are autonomous and can work in committees and discuss issues with assessors and other governing-group members.
Bianchi’s leadership
Forza Alto Adige committee
The committee’s members accuse commissioner Christian Bianchi of favouring his allies and not convening party members.
Forza Italia councillors Patrizia Daidone and Manuel Nardo
The councillors support Bianchi and say his work is opening a new chapter for Forza Italia in the province and city.
We do not want to found a new party; the Italian community is already divided enough.
Internal discussion is impossible.
It is false that the council group is gagged or unable to present proposals by the commissioner’s will.
Forza Alto Adige held its launch meeting at the Sheraton in Bolzano.
Bolzano councillors Patrizia Daidone and Manuel Nardo publicly rejected the committee’s accusations and reaffirmed their support for Bianchi.
- Committee
- Forza Alto Adige
- Location
- Sheraton, Bolzano
- Party commissioner criticised
- Christian Bianchi
- Committee supporter
- Giorgio Holzmann, former parliamentarian
- Councillors defending Bianchi
- Patrizia Daidone and Manuel Nardo
- Publication date
- 12 October 2026
Sources
Related news
Asis seeks a new director after Claudio Alì announces his departure
Italy approves electoral reform to replace Rosatellum
Italian condo fines require rules and an owners’ assembly vote
Italy’s government may limit the next pension increase
Conte seeks guarantees over Renzi as Italian centre-left seeks unity
Ex Ilva workers meet in Cornigliano after plant shutdown decision
Schlein says critics in and around the PD tried to sideline her
Renzi challenges critics as Italy’s opposition debates who should be included
New cable car planned for Italy’s Monte Bove raises environmental concerns
Genoa mayor Silvia Salis says she will not run in centre-left primaries
Piedmont governor opposes proposed mosque in Turin
