Campo largo in chaos after Naples flop; Padua rally in doubt, Rome idea emerges

The "Campo largo" alliance, a coalition of Italy's Democratic Party (PD), Five Star Movement (M5S), and the Greens and Left Alliance (Avs), is grappling with disarray following a disappointing turnout and political controversies at a recent rally in Naples. The campaign's initial foray for the upcoming political elections has been marred by organizational and political missteps, leading to doubts about the viability of future joint events.

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Think that they are building a Russian threat to convince us that we must arm ourselves to the teeth.

The next scheduled unitary rally, planned for July 15 in Padua, is now highly uncertain. Organizers are reportedly hesitant to proceed, citing the risks of another outdoor event during hot weather and internal party disagreements. A convenient excuse being floated is the upcoming final approval of an electoral law championed by the right-wing government, suggesting a postponement. However, the timing of this legislative process was known well in advance by the coalition's leadership.

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I was misunderstood.

Adding to the internal friction, M5S leader Giuseppe Conte's remarks about a "Russian threat" being manufactured to justify increased armaments, which he later attempted to clarify as being misunderstood, have fueled skepticism. Within the PD, there is a strong desire to salvage the alliance's image, with some pushing for a new rally in Rome. Potential locations like Piazza Santi Apostoli, historically associated with the "Ulivo" coalition, are being discussed as a way to regain control over the narrative and organizational aspects, though the fundamental political challenges remain.

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We will be united and we will beat this right.