Italian Democratic Party’s Schlein under fire over EU election strategy

Italy’s centre-left opposition Democratic Party (PD) has come under fire after its leader, Elly Schlein, announced her candidacy for June’s European elections despite having previously said she had no intention of taking up a seat in European Parliament.

The party sees Schlein’s candidacy as a way of attracting voters, although she has stated that she will continue to lead the party in Italy rather than seek a seat in the European Parliament. Citing current polls, Schlein believes her candidacy could bring an additional 1.5% votes to her party.

However, the party’s move has been criticised both within and outside the party, including by one of its founders, former European Commission President and Italian prime minister Romano Prodi.

“Why should we vote for someone to make them win, and if they win, they certainly don’t go to Europe? These are wounds to democracy that gradually dig the trench for which democracy is no longer loved,” Prodi said.

Schlein was also heavily criticised for a last-minute proposal to include her name in the party symbol.

The move is unprecedented within the Democratic Party, which, unlike Matteo Salvini’s Lega or Giorgia Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia (ECR), both of which include the leader’s name in the party symbol, has always sought to counter the personalisation of the party.

But just minutes before the deadline for submitting party symbols for the European elections, Schlein announced on social media on Monday that her name would not appear on the logo.

“This proposal seemed to me more divisive than strengthening,” she said.

Italian parties are beginning to unveil their candidates for the crucial European elections before the 1 May deadline for submitting lists.

Over the weekend, Forza Italia (EPP) also announced Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani as its top candidate, while Prime Minister and Fratelli d’Italia leader Giorgia Meloni is expected to announce her decision on 28 April.

The prime minister’s candidacy for her party’s leadership in all constituencies has long been considered certain. However, some analysts believe Meloni may be considering a change of plans in light of the criticism that Schlein has received.

(Alessia Peretti | Euractiv.it)

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