As Genoa gears up for the regional elections this Sunday and Monday, the political stage is set with party leaders making their final appeals to voters, all while the threat of inclement weather looms. A heated exchange of ideas characterized the event, with the center-right coalition, led by Genoa’s mayor Marco Bucci, consolidating its position in the wake of former governor Giovanni Toti’s resignation amid ongoing investigations. Speaking from the auditorium of the Magazzini del Cotone, Bucci highlighted the government’s achievements in areas like the economy and immigration, asserting a clear path forward for Liguria, while Matteo Salvini notably praised Toti’s contributions, emphasizing, “We are here also thanks to him; nothing should be erased.”
What initially appeared to be a challenging race for the center-right now seems to be gaining momentum, as allies on stage repeated the mantra, “We are a coalition.” They dismissed the opposition’s “broad field” strategy as ineffective, mocking the internal disputes among leaders like Giuseppe Conte, Beppe Grillo, and Matteo Renzi. Bucci’s coalition aims to project unity, stating, “We are different but share a united destiny,” as they seek to differentiate themselves from what they describe as a disorganized opposition.
Antonio Tajani urged voters to rally behind the center-right, stressing that every vote counts in this crucial election. Meanwhile, Giorgia Meloni reflected on the past two years of her government, taking credit for various successes while launching pointed jabs at the Five Star Movement, particularly regarding the high costs associated with the Superbonus program. She countered criticisms of her administration’s fiscal policies, particularly around healthcare spending, insisting, “We have increased it; perhaps we should gift a calculator to the left, which struggles with basic arithmetic.”
On the other side of the political spectrum, Elly Schlein energized the audience at the Teatro Politeama, where the spotlight was on the Democratic candidate, former minister Andrea Orlando. Healthcare remains a central topic for the left, with Schlein calling out Meloni’s claims: “I’ve read what they’re saying on that other stage; it’s been days of wild numbers. They may want to give us a calculator, but I’d rather share some real figures.” Her message echoed the urgency to rally support and ensure that no vote is wasted.
The divide between the two camps was palpable, with Schlein emphasizing the need to break from Toti’s model, while Carlo Calenda, addressing the audience remotely, backed Orlando, stating he is “more capable than Bucci.” Conte took aim at Salvini, declaring, “The Toti system is rotten and needs to be erased.” Fratoianni of the left further mocked the center-right’s unity by stating, “Being against this right is a formidable political program,” underscoring the contentious atmosphere as candidates prepare for a decisive electoral battle.
