In Naples, a group photo with the broad front: 'Now it's up to us to govern'

Leaders of Italy's Democratic Party (PD), the Five Star Movement (M5s), and the Alliance of Greens and Left (Avs) kicked off their joint campaign for the 2027 elections in Naples, presenting a united front against the center-right government of Giorgia Meloni.

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We will never again do the right-wing parties the favor of dividing us. We will go united to win the next elections.

The event, held in Piazza del Gesù, featured PD leader Elly Schlein, M5s President Giuseppe Conte, and Avs spokespeople Angelo Bonelli and Nicola Fratoianni posing for a photo. However, the rally was briefly interrupted by a group of unemployed protesters who shouted "Shame" and "buffoons," waving flags from the Potere al Popolo party. Conte attempted to restore calm, differentiating their movement from repressive actions, but the situation escalated, leading to the intervention of law enforcement and a temporary suspension of the event.

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Meloni has failed. Now it's up to us to roll up our sleeves and give hope back to a better Italy. We must go to government, we must send them home.

Following the interruption, Bonelli attributed the disruption to "fascists." The rally resumed with Schlein closing the event by emphasizing unity: "We will never again do the right-wing parties the favor of dividing us. We will go united to win the next elections." Conte interpreted the campaign launch as a response to Meloni's perceived failures, stating, "Meloni has failed. Now it's up to us to roll up our sleeves and give hope back to a better Italy. We must go to government, we must send them home." Bonelli added, "We are ready to build the alternative, to send this right-wing to the opposition."

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We are ready to build the alternative, to send this right-wing to the opposition.

The coalition's preliminary program draft centers on the Constitution and includes proposals for a minimum wage, which Conte promised would be the first measure, parental leave, opposition to the current electoral law, and reduced working hours with maintained salaries. They also committed to strengthening public healthcare, education, and rights. Fratoianni mentioned wealth redistribution and taxing large fortunes. While the piazza was largely full, the focus on PD, M5s, and Avs reportedly displeased centrist factions and some reformists within the PD, who noted M5s's voting alignment with the League on issues like Ukraine. Despite internal tensions, the leaders sent a clear message from Naples: the alternative to Meloni starts here, with the trio expecting other parties to join in September for program finalization.

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minimum wage - 'it will be the first measure'