ROME -- A row has erupted in the centre-left Democratic Party, PD, over the inclusion of candidate Elly Schlein’s name on the logo. Schlein, the head of the party, will be standing as a candidate in June’s European elections. 

  The idea to include Schlein’s name was originally proposed by the president of the Democratic party, Stefano Bonaccini, leading to rifts among the democratic leaders. During an Instagram Live, she confirmed that her name would not be appearing on the party’s logo. 

  “It was proposed to put my name on the logo, it started a good discussion, I thank those who made this proposal, but I think I can contribute running alongside them in this election. It is more divisive than strengthening and we don’t need it.”

“We are the only party that debates both internally and externally. The driving force is not measured by the strength of our fist but by our pulse and our ear to the ground, in listening to each other and in summarising.” Schlein explained, confirming that she would be running in the election.

“The socialist family is the only barrier to right-wing advances. We all need to get in the race, I have the hope of helping to elect as many of these people as possible.” 

  If elected, Schlein is not planning to take up her seat in the European Parliament and will instead continue to represent the party in the Italian Lower House. This decision has sparked criticism among officials. “So you ask voters to give their vote to someone who certainly won’t go to Brussels if she wins. These are injuries to democracy that dig a trench.” Romano Prodi, former President of the European Commission explained, denouncing the decision. “This reasoning concerns Meloni, Schlein, Tajani and all the other leaders who are running: it is not a way to sustain democracy.”

  Schlein, however, maintained that her candidacy is “necessary”. “We have seen this right-wing repeatedly attack people’s rights, damaging welfare, and public health. They are transforming the Rai into the megaphone of the executive, it is no longer a public service: full solidarity with the journalists and intellectuals who have suffered censorship,” said Schlein, lambasting Meloni’s government. “This is a right-wing that is carrying out dangerous reforms: autonomy divides Italy and it is the result of a cynical trade they made with the premier.”

  “If together we make this challenge, the alternative is already there tomorrow. If you help us, you will also strengthen the alternative to the most right-wing government in Republican history.”

lw