The guarantor for the broad coalition: Schlein rejects the hypothesis and now accelerates on primaries

Elly Schlein, the leader of Italy's Democratic Party (PD), has firmly rejected proposals suggesting a 'guarantor' candidate for a broad center-left alliance, emphasizing her commitment to either the party leader with the most votes or primary elections to decide the prime ministerial nominee. "What step back? The path doesn't change, it's always the same," Schlein stated in response to party members seeking clarity on what they perceive as the center-left's latest self-sabotage.

The proposals envision an alliance presenting a candidate for prime minister who would not aspire to the role if the center-left wins, acting instead as a guarantor for the entire coalition. While some within the PD, including those who favor an alliance with Giuseppe Conte's Five Star Movement (M5S) and those concerned about Schlein's potential performance in primaries, find this idea appealing, Schlein remains resolute. She views the 'guarantor' concept as a maneuver to prevent her from assuming the premiership should the progressive alliance prevail.

Schlein's inner circle reportedly expresses frustration with "all these people who want to pull the strings like puppeteers in every season of the PD." Despite the idea being dismissed by some as impractical or nonsensical, it continues to circulate. Schlein's distrust is heightened by the fact that the proposal first appeared in Rinascita, a publication associated with Goffredo Bettini, a close ally of Conte, and was later amplified by Alessandro Onorato, who maintains good relations with the M5S leader. This has fueled suspicions among Schlein's loyalists that the proposal is an operation by those within the center-left who prefer Conte over the PD leader.

Consequently, securing a pact with Conte regarding the primaries has become vital for Schlein. She aims to prevent further political maneuvering. The current political landscape in Italy sees Schlein pushing for a clear path to leadership, wary of internal party dynamics and external influences that might seek to undermine her position.