Politics · Italy · 1 hr ago
Schlein says critics in and around the PD tried to sideline her
Elly Schlein, leader of Italy’s Democratic Party (PD), said on Saturday that some people in and around the party had tried to control her, unite the wider opposition behind another leader or remove her.
She made the remarks at an event hosted by the newspaper Il Foglio, but did not name anyone.
The people discussed as possible critics include senior figures, reformists and members wary of holding primaries to choose an opposition candidate.
Some fear Schlein could win a primary but lose the national election against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Others have backed Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, or discussed Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri as a possible unifying candidate.
The dispute reflects wider questions about who should lead the opposition and how the PD should appeal to voters.
The account does not say what Schlein or her critics will do next.
Elly Schlein said critics in and around the Democratic Party had tried to sideline her.
Speaking at the Foglio festival on Saturday, she said they had tried to place the party under outside control, unite it behind another figure or remove her.
The article identifies party elders, reformists and opponents of primary elections among those critical of her leadership.
Some critics have questioned whether Schlein should lead the centre-left coalition or run for prime minister.
- Who
- Elly Schlein, leader of Italy’s Democratic Party, and her critics in and around the party.
- What
- Schlein said critics had tried to sideline her. The article describes criticism of her leadership and debate over who should lead the centre-left.
- When
- Saturday; the article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- At the Foglio festival; the remarks concerned the Democratic Party and its wider political circle.
- Why
- The article says critics have raised concerns about Schlein’s leadership, the party’s direction and the risks of primary elections.
Elly Schlein
Critics in and around the Democratic Party
Leadership
Elly Schlein
Schlein said critics had tried to sideline her.
Critics in and around the Democratic Party
Some critics have questioned whether Schlein should lead the centre-left coalition or be its candidate for prime minister.
Primary elections
Elly Schlein
Schlein said critics had tried to unite the party behind another figure.
Critics in and around the Democratic Party
Some critics warn that primary elections could backfire and weaken the centre-left in the general election.
put her under outside control, unite behind another figure, remove her
Elly cannot be the prime ministerial candidate
She and Conte are ridiculous when they say they are ready to govern
an act of generosity
Critics in the Democratic Party warned Schlein about primary elections and the party’s political direction.
Schlein told the audience at the Foglio festival that critics had tried to sideline her.
- Speaker
- Elly Schlein
- Party
- Democratic Party (PD)
- Festival
- Foglio festival
- Article publication
- 12 October 2026
- Critics named
- Arturo Parisi, Luigi Zanda, Goffredo Bettini and Lorenzo Guerini
Sources
Related news
Italy’s government may limit the next pension increase
Ex Ilva workers meet in Cornigliano after plant shutdown decision
Renzi challenges critics as Italy’s opposition debates who should be included
New cable car planned for Italy’s Monte Bove raises environmental concerns
Conte seeks guarantees over Renzi as Italian centre-left seeks unity
Piedmont governor opposes proposed mosque in Turin
Genoa mayor Silvia Salis says she will not run in centre-left primaries
Pier Ferdinando Casini will not seek re-election after 44 years in Parliament
Italian cities prepare checks on illegal e-bikes, with fines up to €15,000
Court rules Sgarbi cannot claim immunity over insult to former councillor
Italy’s Constitutional Court overturns two Emilia-Romagna rules on short-term rentals
