Marina Berlusconi is back to pressuring Tajani. Here's what could change in Forza Italia
From group leaders to the congress all the games and unknowns on the horizon. But first there is the referendum stage. Guarantees to Meloni
Key points
By now it almost seems like a game of both sides: Marina Berlusconi urges Antonio Tajani to open 'a new phase' within Forza Italia, Antonio Tajani replies that 'renewal is already underway', citing the direct election of the ruling class, starting with the secretary at the announced national congress before the 2027 elections. But it is clear that the family continues to push for something else: from the very long interview with the Foglio a year ago to today, each of Marina's (and Pier Silvio's) public outings - skilfully studied - has not only outlined the axes of a 5.0 'liberal manifesto', but also added a tessera to the mosaic of prods to the current leader of the Azzurro.
The warning
The latest, contained in the interview with Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, has lent itself to multiple interpretations in the conciliations of Fi parliamentarians. It is worth reporting it in full. "I think that to Tajani," Berlusconi said, "we Forza Italia voters should only express gratitude and appreciation for what he has done and continues to do. He has held the party together in a very delicate moment. Now inevitably a new phase begins, in which we must look ahead and build the future. I am certain that the first one to know this and to want to do it is him'. A farewell or an encouragement?
Tajani the 'ferryman'
The most attentive observers consider the message from the Cavaliere's daughter as a sign that Tajani's leadership has had its day. As if the vice-premier and foreign minister were considered a very able ferryman in view of a new season, led by a more appealing profile.
The role of Occhiuto
Roberto Occhiuto was, not by chance, the first in the party to comment on Marina Berlusconi's "lucid reflections", relaunching the need for a "liberal and reformist" shake-up that draws on the heritage of European liberalism and acts as a response to the "drifts that ignite populism". The Calabria governor's self-candidacy is clear: 'I will continue to work for this, within the party and within the coalition'. The voice of Berlusconi's other highly esteemed leader, Deborah Bergamini, was also raised: the issues raised," stressed the national deputy secretary, "are also crucial for defining the orientation and posture of Forza Italia, which is called upon to renew its proposal in the face of a changing world and society. It was precisely Bergamini's name that had been circulating insistently in recent months as a potential replacement for Paolo Barelli as group leader at Montecitorio, partly to meet the demands of those who consider the leadership group too 'Roman' and 'Roman-centric'. But for now Barelli, who is Tajani's in-law, is resisting. Like Maurizio Gasparri in the Senate.
The will to avoid tears
Marina is not yet ready to officially 'crown' Occhiuto, although she seems to have blessed his initiative since it was launched. "I think Forza Italia has to gain from the circulation of ideas. Of Occhiuto and also of others, non-political ones,' he says. But at the same time he warns that 'unity is fundamental, not only for Forza Italia, but for the whole centre-right'. As if to say: if there is to be a succession, it must be gradual. Without tears. An intention confirmed by the meetings with Tajani (the last one on 26 January for a lunch, in Milan in Corso Venezia) to take stock of the various dossiers and the state of health of the party.
