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Matteo Renzi: 'Excluded from the 'broad field' photo? I don't take the bait. The left can't win without reformists.'
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy /Elections & Politics

Matteo Renzi: 'Excluded from the 'broad field' photo? I don't take the bait. The left can't win without reformists.'

From Corriere della Sera · () Italian

Translated from Italian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Matteo Renzi, leader of Italy Viva, expressed confidence that a center-left agreement in Italy will be reached, emphasizing the need for reformists.
  • Renzi, currently in Chicago for the Obama Presidential Center inauguration, stated that the left cannot win without reformist support.
  • He downplayed his exclusion from a recent "broad field" photo, choosing not to engage with provocations from other leaders.

Matteo Renzi, leader of Italy Viva, remains confident that a center-left political agreement will materialize in Italy, despite his exclusion from a recent photo opportunity involving key figures. While attending the inauguration of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Renzi asserted that the Italian left cannot achieve victory without the support of reformist factions.

The only photo I'm interested in is the one with Barack.

โ€” Matteo RenziRenzi's initial comment upon arriving in Chicago for the Obama Presidential Center inauguration.

Renzi characterized the inclusion of reformists as a matter of "mathematics" as well as politics. He indicated he would not be drawn into provocations by those who believe they can succeed independently, specifically mentioning Giuseppe Conte, Angelo Bonelli, and Nicola Fratoianni. However, he expressed trust in the Democratic Party's secretary, Elly Schlein, with whom he maintains frequent contact, believing she will ultimately side with him over Conte.

They know well that without reformists, the left will never win.

โ€” Matteo RenziRenzi's assertion about the necessity of reformist support for the Italian left.

During his visit to Chicago, Renzi engaged with prominent American political figures, including the Clintons, Joe Biden, and Justin Trudeau. He also attended a reception where he was one of only two European leaders present, alongside Angela Merkel. Renzi shared a moment with Michelle Obama, discussing his daughter Ester's law studies, and also conversed with former President George W. Bush about Silvio Berlusconi and with Merkel about her potential book launch in Florence. He even discussed "radical centrism" with Bono Vox and reminisced about Tom Hanks' past visit to Florence.

I do not intend to pick up the provocations of those who believe they are self-sufficient.

โ€” Matteo RenziRenzi's response to being excluded from a political photo opportunity.

Reflecting on the Obama Presidential Center's inauguration, Renzi described it as more than a celebratory event. He viewed it as a political and cultural message delivered at a time of deep division in the United States, seeing Obama as a symbol of politics as a tool for positive change.

The inauguration of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is much more than a celebratory event. It is a political and cultural message that arrives at a time when the United States is going through deep divisions. Obama continues to represent the idea that politics can be an instrument.

โ€” Matteo RenziRenzi's reflection on the significance of the Obama Presidential Center inauguration.
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.