Schlein is too much on the left, I felt distant on rights»- Corriere.it

His farewell after almost two legislatures to the group of European Socialists and Democrats is striking. Because Caterina Chinnici, daughter of Rocco, who gave life to the Antimafia pool and was killed by Cosa Nostra in ’83, is a symbol of the fight against organized crime. She knows what a wound she represents for the Democratic Party and repeats: I was an independent, I am and always will be and so I decided to join the Ppe, in the Forza Italia delegation.
But she was nominated on the pd lists twice.

I have always been a moderate, due to my history as a magistrate working on issues such as the rights of minors, the fight against terrorism, organized crime, and on all profiles connected with the European justice and home affairs agencies.
And what happened?

In the last period but in general during this legislature, which has seen Parliament change profoundly, I have felt increasingly uncomfortable. I have often found myself sharing my work and commitment with colleagues in the EPP, with whom I also have excellent personal relationships, rather than with those in my group.
Were there any conflicts?

No, personal relationships are good with everyone, but the political harmony on priorities and on certain issues gradually faded away.
She is a committed Catholic, Schlein on left-wing positions of identity: does it count?

I’m a technician, not a politician, I’ve always worked a lot on legal issues, on security. And on these issues, lately, I felt very alone. I haven’t always had the necessary support. Then it is true that aspects concerning ethics, religion, the relationship with popes such as Wojtyla, then Benedict XVI and today Francis, count….
So there was no understanding with Schlein?

I’ve known Elly for a long time, I appreciate the authenticity of her commitment. But on some issues we have different visions, and moreover the group of Socialists and Democrats has moved more and more to the left over time. Too much for me.
Do you mean the positions on gender, rights, Gpa?

Certainly these are positions that put me in difficulty. When it comes to the rights of couples that come before those of children, although I am very open, I cannot agree.
But did you talk about it with your colleagues?

My discomfort had been fully evident for some time. Sometimes I did not take part in the votes so as not to be forced to express my dissent.
Per was the Pd’s candidate for the presidency of Sicily.

Another element that led me to question my stay. As a non-member, I had given my willingness to run, but then I didn’t even have the support of the entire Democratic Party.
But why precisely FI, for many a betrayal of its history: was it Minister Tajani who convinced it?

With him we have known and respected each other since 2014. Our collaboration gradually consolidated when he became president of the European Parliament. It has always been a relationship of great collaboration, very positive eg, we have been talking lately. The contacts both with him and with my friend Rita Dalla Chiesa were important.