DistantNews
Support us
Calenda: 'Vannacci is a danger. Europe needs a third pole to save itself'
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy /Elections & Politics

Calenda: 'Vannacci is a danger. Europe needs a third pole to save itself'

From Corriere della Sera · () Italian

Translated from Italian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Carlo Calenda, leader of Italy's Azione party, warns of a potential disaster in the upcoming elections due to extreme political blocs.
  • He advocates for a simple proportional electoral system to prevent fringe parties from gaining undue influence.
  • Calenda is working to build a "third pole" of federalist and reformist Europeanists to be a decisive force in the next legislature.

Carlo Calenda, the leader of Italy's Azione party, has issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of the current electoral law discussions. He believes that if the proposed system passes, it will lead to two extreme blocs vying for votes by embracing fringe elements, citing figures like Vannacci and Potere al popolo as examples. Calenda argues this is a dangerous path for Italy and Europe, especially given current geopolitical threats from the US, China, and Russia, which he says aim to dismantle the EU.

Calenda is actively working to establish a "third pole" coalition. This group aims to unite Europeanist and reformist forces, with the ultimate goal of building a federal Europe. He announced a major event in Milan to bring together associations, movements, and personalities who share this vision. Notable figures like Mario Monti and Carlo Cottarelli are expected to participate, alongside liberal and popular politicians, to create a unified platform for pro-European voters.

The proposed European agenda includes a united and armed Europe, free from vetoes in the European Council. Calenda also calls for a robust energy and industrial plan to counter Chinese commercial influence, which he believes is exacerbated by what he calls "green follies." He referenced Ursula von der Leyen's call for a "wall of drones" to deter potential Russian aggression in the Baltic states, highlighting the precarious security situation in Europe.

Calenda specifically called Vannacci a "national security problem," citing his pro-Putin stance, online bot support, and unacceptable positions on issues like femicide. He believes these views are incompatible with mainstream right-wing parties and the Italian Constitution, predicting they will cause significant difficulties for the right-wing coalition. Calenda expressed skepticism about the right's ability to avoid alliances with such figures, fearing that the pursuit of votes under the current electoral system could compromise the credibility of the Italian Republic.

Serve unโ€™Europa unita e armata, senza veti in Consiglio europeo con un piano energetico e industriale che metta da parte le follie green che ci espongono allโ€™invasione commerciale cinese.

โ€” Carlo CalendaCalenda outlines his vision for a stronger, more self-sufficient Europe.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Corriere della Sera in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.