Naples – A face-to-face meeting, charged with symbolism and anticipation, in a building that witnessed the birth and growth of Campania's regional power. A meeting has been underway since this morning at the Campania Region headquarters on Via Santa Lucia between outgoing President Vincenzo De Luca and the center-left candidate to succeed him, Roberto Fico.
According to sources close to the meeting, the meeting is taking place in an atmosphere of apparent relaxation, but with the shadow of recent internal friction within the progressive coalition looming large. For De Luca, at the end of a decade at the helm of the Region, it could be an opportunity to pass the baton in style; for Fico, former Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and a leading figure in the Five Star Movement, it is a crucial step in consolidating the alliance ahead of the regional elections on November 23 and 24.
The meeting comes at a time of turmoil for the broad center-left coalition, fresh from weeks of heated debate among its partners. De Luca, known for his cutting style, has been unsparing in his criticism of the national Democratic Party, accusing it of having "lost touch with reality" and handing key regions to the center-right for political reasons.
These words raised eyebrows in Rome, but now seem like a prelude to a rapprochement: the meeting with Fico, in fact, has been called for by many to mend the rift. Just yesterday, former Benevento mayor Clemente Mastella met with Fico himself, urging him to "enough bickering with De Luca" and calling for frank dialogue, in the presence of Naples mayor Gaetano Manfredi.
"It must be De Luca junior who promotes clarification," thundered Mastella, pointing the finger at the governor's son, Piero, a Democratic Party MP and generational bridge between the souls of the center-left. At the center of the table, not only electoral strategies, but also the government program for a Campania that De Luca leaves with improved infrastructure but inherited from scandals and debts.
ico, in his post on X a few hours ago, sent a signal of unity and renewal, announcing his civic list "Roberto Fico President." "On November 23rd and 24th, you will find several lists alongside my name as candidate for president of the Campania Region. And among these will be the civic list Roberto Fico President," wrote the former Five Star Movement member, attaching the group's logo: a simple symbol, with references to the Campania green color and the theme of "Campania of the future."
The list, Fico specifies, will be made up of "representatives of civil society: activists, entrepreneurs, teachers, educators, administrators"—figures rooted in the local communities, ready to "contribute to our coalition."
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But it's not just programmatic optimism. The 2025 regional elections in Campania are shaping up to be a pitched battle: the center-right is fielding a strong candidate like Stefano Caldoro or a local outsider, while the center-left is dealing with reformist pressure on Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein, who hasn't ruled out an early congress to rally her forces.
Giuseppe Conte, leader of the M5S, blessed Fico as "the best" for the post-De Luca era, but called for "no more jokes" and for serious work on the programme, indirectly responding to the governor's jibes.
And there's no shortage of controversy: Carlo Calenda, speaking from Azione, called the 5 Star Movement "dangerous populists," urging De Luca to reconsider the alliance.
Meanwhile, Fico has already clashed with the center-right over hot topics such as public water, which he accused of being "in the hands of private lobbies" at a rally in Cusano Mutri, prompting a furious response from Marcello Cirielli, a member of Parliament for the Brothers of Italy party.
As the clock ticks at Palazzo Santa Lucia, the city is holding its breath. Will any concrete details emerge from the summit? Will De Luca openly support Fico's list, or will he opt for his own creation, as has been mooted in recent weeks?
The meeting could mark a turning point for a coalition that, between fragile alliances and personal ambitions, needs a solid foundation to avoid losing precious votes. The presentation of Fico's list is scheduled "in the next few days in Naples," the candidate promised, implying that the moment is propitious to join forces.
In a region with over 5 million voters, the post-De Luca era will be no walk in the park: Fico knows this, and today, with De Luca in his sights, he's playing one of his most crucial cards. Campania is watching, caught between hopes of renewal and fears of another round of internal feuds.
Comments (3)
The meeting between De Luca and Fico was important for the future of the region, but there are many unknowns. Let's hope they can reach an agreement, for the good of all Campanians, not just the politicians.
I believe it's essential for De Luca to leave a good legacy, but I don't know if Fico is the right person. There are too many divisions within the center-left that could affect everything.
It's true that there have been conflicts between the parties, but perhaps this meeting can lead to something positive. Campania needs stability, not further conflict.