«Now we will all lend a hand to Elly»- Corriere.it

And then it’s just the bitterness. And the regret. Stefano Bonaccini gets the hint at lunchtime. “I throw myself on the sofa”: the president of Emilia-Romagna finishes eating and dedicates himself to relaxing at home. He knows that the day, even in a few hours, will not change: “They had three quarters of the management team, it would have been difficult to reverse course”. But in front of his electoral committee late in the evening, Bonaccini announces: «I called Elly and made myself available because she was more capable than me of giving a sign of transformation to the Democratic Party. We’ll all lend a hand.” But before the result there is the long wait. A little later than nine in the evening he leaves the headquarters of the president of the Emilia-Romagna region Dario Nardella and can’t admit defeat.

Here the portrait – with a rich photo story – of Stefano Bonaccini

In reality, it is from the morning that Bonaccini has received the turnout data that rewards his internal opponent: “The voters wanted it this way, as promised we will lend a hand”. An hour passes, the data does not change, except for progressive adjustments, nervousness increases in the governor’s staff, he calms spirits. But his supporters are not as calm: “The Democratic Party no longer exists.” Bonaccini brakes, even if in his heart he does not disagree: “Now we will have to rebuild and not give in to the sirens that take us elsewhere”. Lorenzo Guerini, a great sponsor of the president of the Emilia-Romagna region, has a bitter taste and in the evening says to a fellow party member: “We killed the Democratic Party”. Bonaccini does not think too differently but it cannot be like this that he leaves the arena of national politics, therefore he insists with his parents to “continue to work for the party”. But in reality the governor fears that it won’t be like this, that someone will leave. With his friend Dario Nardella and his right arm Andrea Rossi he vents: «It’s gone, I won’t stay all night waiting». And in fact, as the hours go by, the fork widens and Bonaccini, who should speak to the committee, prefers not to be seen instead.

His run-up to the secretariat was the perfect run-up, he had waited and decided not to attack Zingaretti. Then he gave up again, leaving the field open to Enrico Letta. And now he was sure it was his time. Eventually he realized that he wasn’t even now this time. This was not his moment. And “maybe he will never be again,” he sighs. Yeah, never again, and it won’t be easier to go back. Politics has changed pace and Bonaccini must adapt. It won’t be like this for his supporters, who avoid putting their face on defeat. Meanwhile the dem wobble and gasp. A piece of the former popular sends a statement to explain that since Bonaccini isn’t there, perhaps they won’t be there either. The governor carefully reads the press release of this presumed farewell: “The process of recomposition of the popular political area is taking shape”. Yes, it’s the former ppi who leave after realizing that Schlein will be the leader of the new Democratic Party.

But Bonaccini has no intention of fanning the flames of the split. Indeed, he will do everything to “keep the party together” that is the imperative. At least for him. Even if he is well aware that after Schlein’s victory, many will want to leave. But Bonaccini is a party man and does not allow for “leaks or outbursts”. He prefers to accept the result without opposing it, and then there’s the Emilia-Romagna Region to which he has promised to devote himself more. And there he will remain “convinced and determined”. Whether all those who supported him remain convinced and determined within the Democratic Party is truly to be seen.