Regional elections: stalemate in Calabria, Decaro's candidature closer in Puglia

The PD tries to accelerate on Puglia, with a move decided by Elly Schlein to unblock the candidature of Antonio Decaro. This is how the meeting between the Dem MEP and former mayor of Bari, outgoing governor Michele Emiliano (so far determined not to take a step to the side), Igor Taruffi, the leader's right-hand man, and party secretary general Domenico De Santis, who hosted the meeting, came about. A 'cordial and constructive' discussion, they explained from Nazareno, in which 'the foundations were laid for a common work for the future of Puglia'.

Official communications go no further. But those who follow the affair closely note that a clear signal has come from the party leadership: in essence, everyone must soften their positions to favour a solution. This could therefore be the first step towards a detente destined to clear customs for Decaro's candidature, whose doubts until now were linked to the possibility of finding himself in the regional council with the cumbersome presence of two former governors, Nichi Vendola and precisely Emiliano. In the end, it is not excluded that the latter will renounce being included in the lists. Among the possible scenarios, bouncing around the territory, is that the former magistrate could coordinate Decaro's electoral campaign and perhaps then have a position as councillor.

These are also crucial hours for Calabria. The PD awaits a definitive answer from Cosenza-born Pasquale Tridico, former president of the Inps, who has landed in the European Parliament with the M5s. His post on social media a couple of days ago, with a picture of a long table and the message 'Calabria, my land', had been interpreted as a hint, but in the last 48 hours the person concerned has reportedly expressed doubts again. In the PD there is a sceptical look at other candidates that the M5s could express, such as the deputy Vittoria Baldino. And there is a clear distance towards Flavio Stasi, mayor of Corigliano-Rossano. Without an agreement soon, the centre-left could present itself divided in Calabria.

And these are also hours of reflection in the centre-right. After his resignation, Roberto Occhiuto announced his intention to run again, but the coalition is considering - in the event of a worsening of the judicial framework - the possibility of a 'Plan B'. The hypothesis that Giorgia Meloni could put on the table the card Luigi Sbarra has also been circulating, but only denials have arrived, with the former secretary of the Cisl being assured that he would not have given any availability for the Regionals, remaining focused on the role of undersecretary for the South.

A decision is expected at the summit between Meloni and the other leaders of the coalition, Matteo Salvini, Antonio Tajani and Maurizio Lupi, which could be held even before the end of August. On that occasion, the solution to the Veneto rebus is also expected, with the tug-of-war between FdI and Lega for the indication of Luca Zaia's successor, as well as the name of the candidate in Campania. The hypothesis of Edmondo Cirielli (in the FdI quota) seems to have cooled, unlike that of Giosy Romano (on whom Action could also converge). Polls have also been commissioned on Mara Carfagna of Noi moderati, and a civic profile such as that of Gianfranco Nicoletti, rector of the Vanvitelli University, has not been discarded.