Schlein-De Luca Accord Opens Path for Roberto Fico in Campania

Partito Democratico secretary Elly Schlein and Campania Governor Vincenzo De Luca held talks at the party’s Rome headquarters on 17 July, reaching what both sides described as a “positive and productive” understanding ahead of this autumn’s regional election. The governor withdrew his veto over the choice of the centre-left coalition’s nominee, removing the principal obstacle to presenting former lower-house speaker Roberto Fico as the broad progressive camp’s candidate. A party statement said the two leaders agreed to finalise a platform first and select a contender “without vetoes or prejudicial positions” who can unify the alliance. De Luca, who is barred from seeking a third consecutive term following an April Constitutional Court ruling, signalled he will still field a personal civic list. Securing a consensus candidate is viewed as critical for the centre-left to retain control of the strategically important southern region.