An open and contestable party. The new Forza Italia, according to Tajani

An open party, finally contestable. Stuff that has never been seen in those parts. Even if words and intentions will have to be tested by facts. But meanwhile Antonio Tajani moves forward, explains what will become of Forza Italia after Silvio Berlusconi, in the coming days and months. “I’m ready for confrontation“, the Foreign Minister tells his followers, who on Saturday – when the National Council of the party takes place – will obtain the official investiture of president. It will be the real beginning of the new phase, of that path that will lead to the party congress in sight of the European elections of 2024. Pace the owls, i.e. those who point out from within that FI is declining in the polls – it was close to 10 percent according to some estimates, immediately after the Cav.’s death, today it is estimated around to 7 per cent. “These will be the concerns of the usual 3-4 MPs. I could name names and surnames”.

Certainly, in the match that is about to open, Tajani counts on playing a leading role. It is clear from the words delivered this morning to Republic. in which on the one hand it claims the continuity and legacy of Berlusconi – and how could it be otherwise – on the other hand the autonomy of his choices with respect to the Meloni government. In short, he defines the accusation of being loyal to an executive of which he is deputy prime minister, “a truly bizarre thesis. Why should I go into guerrilla warfare?”, Is the response to the critics. To whom he also points out that Forza Italia follows its own convictions on differentiated autonomy or on the European positioning. “Here I don’t think I can be accused of flattening towards the svoranisti”.

Proof of this is also the fact that next Saturday at the force kermesse there will be neither Salvini – to whom Tajani reiterated once again that in Europe there is no room for agreements with Le Pen and Afd – nor the premier Giorgia Meloni. Instead, Manfred Weber, president of the EPP, is expected. “Because FI – continues the blue leader – is a fundamental part of the European popular family”. From here a new course will start. “I wish he thought differently about it. say it openly. Indeed, you are a candidate for the presidency of the party. Let’s put ourselves to the test”. is the challenge. To whom, it is not known, the blue minister does not mention names, but who knows if those weakened in recent months – in short, the Catteaneos and the Ronzullis – might not be able to give us a little thought.

On the other hand it is Tajani himself who says: “I open the party”. He will do it through a Road map which provides for local congresses and a discussion on the territories to be held until next spring, when the national Congress is expected which will anticipate the European consultations. Months of internal debate, in which FI will also have to clarify the relationship with the Berlusconi family, which the deputy prime minister assures is always present – “I speak to Marina every day and also to her brother” – just as there are frequent interlocutions with Gianni Letta and Federe Confalonieri, the other historical faces of Berlusconi.

And then there is Martha Fascina, a character in search of an author. It seems that Berlusconi’s children have invited the (non) wife of the Cav., who is entitled to an inheritance of 100 million euros, to leave Arcore by the autumn. Grieving is not forever. And there is also an internal match within the same party: among the latest moves of the Cav. there was in fact the promotion of Alessandro Sorte, Tullio Ferrante and Stefano Benigni, all figures considered very close to Fascina, to leading roles in the organization of Forza Italia. Not everyone in the party seems to have liked it, these are issues that could recur in the coming months. Meanwhile we begin with the appetizer of the National Council, where no surprises are expected in any case. However, Marta Fascina will not be there, she would have already informed the president (in pectore) Tajani. Not bad for the owner of the Farnesina, who also announced in Rep that representatives of other parties are about to join Forza Italia. “And a name, I tell you, will make a real stir.” Who knows, maybe he’ll announce it on Saturday.