Italian
Cirielli’s candidacy confirmed in Campania. Agreement reached after weeks of tension among coalition parties
ROME. Tensions lasted until dinnertime, but in the end, the center-right coalition found an agreement. After months of negotiations and rumors of a split, the coalition has finalized the regional elections dossier for late November: Matteo Salvini maintains leadership in Veneto by nominating his deputy, Alberto Stefani, as successor to Zaia.
With this decision, the League consolidates its position in the Northeast, while Brothers of Italy (FdI) secures the right to choose the candidate for Lombardy in 2028, based on a principle set out in a joint statement: the choice will go to the party “with the most recent greater electoral weight” in the territory. Practically, barring any upheavals, this means Giorgia Meloni, given the current strength of FdI also confirmed by the last European elections.
Three-way agreement for the mini election-day
The compromise came after a day full of contacts between party leaders and cross talks. An official statement confirmed the trio of candidates for the late November mini election-day:
- Alberto Stefani (League) for Veneto,
- Edmondo Cirielli (FdI) for Campania,
- Luigi Lobuono, a civic candidate supported by the center-right, for Puglia.
The decision, reached after a majority summit at Palazzo Chigi and a further discussion between Salvini and Meloni, closes one of the most complex political games of the season. A “not entirely painless” decision, coalition sources admit, but necessary to maintain the stability of the government that the premier intends to carry through to the end of the legislature.
Cirielli in Campania, FdI prevails after tensions with Forza Italia
The name of Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli was one of the most sensitive points. FdI defended the candidacy despite resistance from Forza Italia, which requested guarantees of territorial balance. In the end, mediation was reached: Cirielli publicly paid tribute to Silvio Berlusconi, as requested by the regional coordinator of Forza Italia, Fulvio Martusciello, also obtaining the blessing of Maurizio Gasparri.
“He’s the strongest candidate,” assure Meloni’s supporters, aiming for at least a dignified challenge against Roberto Fico in Campania. In Puglia, the center-right will face Antonio Decaro, the “vote-getter” of the center-left.
Veneto: Stefani inherits Zaia’s legacy
In Veneto, the matter is now closed. After weeks of rumors and speculation, Salvini’s young deputy Alberto Stefani will be the official candidate. “I’m ready to govern the region in continuity with the excellent work of Luca Zaia,” he said shortly after the announcement.
Salvini had promised to “settle everything with a ten-minute phone call,” but a long discussion between leaders was needed, followed by a final face-to-face with Meloni, which also led to defining a package of political compensations for Brothers of Italy.
FdI will have a significant role in the next regional government: beyond the vice presidency, the party should gain five or six assessor positions, including strategic portfolios like budget and health, or the presidency of the regional council.
End of a long battle, with an eye on Milan 2028
With the green light for Stefani’s candidacy, a long summer of tensions between allies closes. The League comes out strengthened in Veneto, but Meloni gains the prospect of Lombardy, the real medium-term political goal.
On the table remains the issue of a possible future handover, which the Lombard League members are unwilling to give up easily. But for now, within the center-right, the atmosphere is one of truce ahead of upcoming challenges.
