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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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