As the election campaign comes to a close, political leaders are preparing for the final stretch leading up to the election day. Forza Italia closed its campaign in Naples, while Lega held their closing rally in Piazza Santi Apostoli in Rome, a place with symbolic significance to the first Olive Tree coalition. The Democratic Party will conclude its campaign in Padua and the Five Star Movement in Palermo. President of the Council Giorgia Meloni is anticipating the election results and the role of abstentionism. She also emphasized the need for unity within the government despite the different political identities and positions highlighted during the campaign.
With only a few hours left before the elections, concerns about voter turnout linger. Giorgia Meloni expressed her worry about low voter participation in the EU elections, where some perceive the European Union as distant, despite its importance. She also mentioned her readiness for the election results but emphasized the significance of active participation. The Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, commented on the role of the Italian Episcopal Conference in expressing their opinions on the government’s reforms. Additionally, Matteo Salvini of Lega expressed confidence in their electoral performance, predicting they will surpass expectations and potentially outperform Forza Italia.
On the other hand, there is a different atmosphere among the opposition parties in the final hours of the campaign. The Democratic Party’s Elly Schlein and Five Star Movement’s Giuseppe Conte have engaged in a mutual exchange, with Schlein emphasizing the need to build an alternative to the current government. Conte, on the other hand, envisions a wider political scenario for the upcoming elections. They both highlight the importance of cooperation and dialogue among progressive forces in shaping a concrete program for the future.
Amidst the alliances and strategies in the political landscape, there is a mix of competition and cooperation. Antonio Tajani of Forza Italia welcomed the idea of forming alliances with socialist parties in the European Parliament if necessary. This stance differs from the inclination towards a rightward shift in European governance within their current government allies. The intricate dynamics within the various political parties will shape their post-election strategies and relationships moving forward.
As the campaign season nears its end, there are diverse voices and perspectives emerging. Ilaria Salis, a candidate for the Green Left Alliance who is under house arrest in Hungary, emphasized her anti-fascist stance and her commitment to standing up against injustice. Her candidacy reflects a broader desire for solidarity and support for marginalized individuals across Europe. Overall, the closing stages of the campaign highlight the complexities and challenges within Italian politics as parties position themselves for the upcoming elections and the future political landscape.
