Italy’s Schlein-Meloni showdown cancelled over fairness concerns

The planned televised showdown between Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein and Fratelli d’Italia leader Giorgia Meloni, initially set for 23 May, has been cancelled, as other parties, both in opposition and in coalition, raised objections about fairness and are now seeking to have a debate involving all party leaders.

The cancellation follows the backlash and criticism that followed the decision by Italy’s public broadcaster RAI to broadcast the debate between Meloni and Schlein, with analysts and other leaders questioning whether this would be fair to other party leaders.

RAI justified its decision not to hold the debate by saying that only four out of eight parties had accepted its invitation for a two-way debate showdown between the leaders, falling short of the majority required by the media watchdog AGCOM.

While the invitation was accepted by Fratelli d’Italia, the Democratic Party, Lega and Italia Viva, the Five Star Movement (M5S), Forza Italia, Azione, and Alleanza Verdi-Sinistra declined the invitation.

Bruno Vespa, the journalist who was to moderate the debate, reacted immediately. He expressed his disappointment at the cancellation of the historic confrontation between the two leaders and questioned whether it was a victory for democracy.

Following RAI’s announcement, the leader of the left-wing populist M5S, Giuseppe Conte, challenged Meloni to take part in another televised debate with him and all the other leaders, which La7, an independent broadcaster, has offered to host.

When asked about participating in the La7 debate, Schlein said: “I have always said I would be available for a debate with the prime minister anywhere and at any time. I left it up to her to make herself available, and that’s how it turned out. We will continue on our path regardless.”

(Alessia Peretti | Euractiv.it)

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