Meloni formalises the alliance with Sud chiama Nord. And Cateno De Luca reveals the date of the vote: 9–10 May
The Prime Minister joined via video link the three-day training event in Rome organised by the mayor of Taormina, who, in a post, gave an indication of when the election will take place
Key points
The tribute to mayors as ‘heroes of politics, an outpost of humanity’, the reference to the South as a strategic asset for the country, the importance of the maritime economy, and the ‘relentless fight against organised crime’ as an ‘absolute priority’. Giorgia Meloni addresses the ‘Sud chiama Nord’ assembly via video link; the formation of Cateno De Luca, mayor of Taormina, who will lead the civic list called upon to provide centrist support for the centre-right coalition in the upcoming general election.
The mystery surrounding the date of the vote
In a post announcing the start of the convention, De Luca himself sets the date for the vote that has been the subject of so much speculation in recent weeks. ‘Later,’ he writes, ‘you will find out who the sole spokesperson is – chosen tonight for the “Mayors of Southern Italia Call the North” project (himself, ed.) – and you will also see the symbol of the list that will see us take centre stage in the forthcoming general election on 9 and 10 May 2027’. It is a pity that no one has yet officially marked those two days in red, despite the fact that many quarters have in recent days been speculating that a May election is a real possibility.
Strengthening the centre of the coalition
The Prime Minister’s message marks, in any case, the official launch of the initiative, which was immediately dubbed the ‘anti-Vannacci’ move: Meloni’s hope is, in fact, to gain between 1.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent of the vote thanks to the alliance between ‘Sud chiama Nord’ and the Mayors of Italia, led by Ernesto Magorno. It is precisely these votes which, according to the polls, could help the centre-right to push beyond the 42 per cent that under the new electoral law entitles them to the majority bonus without having to take General Roberto Vannacci on board. And by winning back some of the votes lost to the League and Forza Italia, with a particular focus on the South.
‘Italia is governed through its regions’
“Sud chiama Nord aims to put common sense back at the heart of politics,” Meloni summarises. “Your contribution to our project is particularly valuable, because Italy is governed through its regions: the stronger their voice, the more united, strong and competitive our Italia will be.”
A budget based on ‘choices, not a blanket handout’
It is inevitable to refer to Budget Bill passed yesterday by the Council of Ministers. “We haven’t simply handed out funds indiscriminately; we’ve made choices,” assures the Prime Minister, citing measures to support young people and the elderly, as well as the refinancing of the tax credit for the single Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Southern Italy, the funding for which has risen to 2.4 billion.
