Meloni campaigns in Florence Amidst Protests and Left-Right sparring
Florence became a focal point of political activity on the final day before electoral silence, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni holding a rally amidst demonstrations and pointed exchanges with opposition leaders. The event, held in Piazza dell’Indipendenza, saw Meloni address supporters while a counter-protest organized by USB, social centers, and young Palestinians marched nearby.
During her speech, Meloni referenced a controversial statement made during the regional campaign, stating, “born to overturn the predictions and we will do it here too”, and described the rally location as “a great social center.” She also criticized political rhetoric she perceived as condescending towards Italian voters,citing the example of claims like: “if you vote for me in the Marche you will have the state of Palestine.”
Meloni attributed recent progress in the Middle East towards peace to the efforts of former US President Donald Trump, stating, “Peace is not signed neither for Landini, nor for Albanese who insults Segre, nor for Greta with the Flotilla. There is one person to thank, Trump, president of the USA, republican.” She also defended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,claiming peace in Gaza “is also due to what some consider to be a criminal,who is Bibi Netanyahu,” and rebuked a rally attendee displaying a ”pro-Pal” flag.
Deputy Prime Minister antonio Tajani appealed to centrist voters, warning that the opposition consisted ”only the left left” wich is “increasingly dominated by the 5 stars.” He also criticized recent pro-Palestine demonstrations,characterizing participants as “daddy’s boys” who “took it out on the children of the people,who are the carabinieri,the policemen and the financiers.” A banner reading “Vote Draghi” (referencing Alessandro, a candidate for Fratelli d’Italia) caused confusion amongst attendees.
Simultaneously occurring,opposition leaders also campaigned in Florence. Matteo Renzi, addressing Meloni directly in Piazza Strozzi, criticized the state of the Italian economy, stating, “The country is at a standstill, the debt is growing, enough rhetoric.” renzi aims for his Italia Viva-casa party to become the second-largest coalition after the Democratic Party.
The tuscan regional election is seen as crucial for the centre-left, following losses in the Marche and Calabria. Governor Eugenio Giani is central to thier hopes for a comeback, receiving support from Democratic Party Secretary elly Schlein, who applauded his “courage” in enacting regional laws and his “good governance.” Schlein emphasized the need to solidify the progressive alliance in both regional and national elections to challenge the right.
Florence Mayor Sara Funaro responded to Meloni’s rally, stating, “It’s the first time I’ve seen her in Florence, my hope is that she can return outside of rallies,” and accusing the right of treating voters “like imbeciles.”
Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte met with Giani in Scandicci, a meeting arranged with Schlein as a gesture of mediation, despite lingering reservations within the Five Star Movement regarding Giani’s presence. The meeting concluded with a handshake and a commitment to collaborate for five years.
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