‘Deal with Berlusconi or go to the polls’

Published on 4 April 2013

Cover

Florence Mayor Matteo Renzi, who lost to Pier Luigi Bersani in the Democratic Party (PD) primaries and is considered his main rival, broke the truce he declared with his party leader after the election and accused him of being “stuck”.

Renzi said Bersani has been “humiliated by the arrogance of the Five Star Movement” and called to stop courting it and instead seek a temporary deal with Silvio Berlusconi’s People of Freedom Party (PDL) – an idea which many in the PD view with horror – or go to the polls if this fails.

Young, centrist and sharing some of the anti-establishment views of Beppe Grillo, Renzi is seen as a strong candidate that could unite the centre-left, but had until now kept silent and bought time in order to strengthen his position.

Receive the best of European journalism straight to your inbox every Thursday

Interesting article?

It was made possible by Voxeurop’s community. High-quality reporting and translation comes at a cost. To continue producing independent journalism, we need your support.

Subscribe or Donate

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support border-free European journalism

See our subscription offers, or donate to bolster our independence

On the same topic