Forza Italia Signals Renewal as Tajani Opens Door to Berlusconi Family in Politics
Rome – Forza Italia is entering a pivotal phase of renewal as party secretary and deputy prime minister Antonio tajani publicly signals openness to involvement from the founder’s children. While the Berlusconi family has long kept political ambitions private, Tajani says the door would be open if Marina Berlusconi or Pier Silvio Berlusconi choose to pursue public office, and they would receive full party support if they decide to run.
Tajani stressed that such a move would represent a broader renewal already underway within the party. He described leadership elected from the ground up as a foundational step and outlined a timeline of upcoming regional congresses, followed by a national congress at the start of next year. He also confirmed his intention to stand for another term, highlighting a governance model anchored in Berlusconi’s ideas and a system that elects its leaders from the base.
The discussion comes amid a broader push for renewal within Forza Italia, with Tajani emphasizing continuity alongside change. He framed the party’s evolution as a combination of established leadership principles and a fresh infusion of new faces, potentially including members of the Berlusconi family, shoudl they choose to join the political arena.
On policy, Tajani addressed the European Union’s stance on non-electrical cars ahead of the 2035 deadline. He indicated the party’s support for the reversal,arguing it protects tens of thousands of jobs. He cautioned that a policy of simply banning non-electric vehicles would have cost about 70,000 jobs, while acknowledging the importance of climate considerations and suggesting the earlier approach was misjudged.
| Key Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Leader delivering the renewal | Antonio Tajani, secretary of Forza Italia and Deputy Prime Minister |
| Possible entrants | Marina Berlusconi or Pier Silvio Berlusconi could enter politics if they choose; would receive broad party support |
| Renewal approach | Leaders elected from the base; upcoming regional congresses; national congress early next year; Tajani intends to run again |
| Policy note | EU reversal on the 2035 non-electric car deadline; aim to protect jobs; up to 70,000 jobs cited as at risk by previous blocking policy |
evergreen insights
The remarks outline a strategic pivot: a traditional party framework anchored in established leadership while inviting fresh participation from prominent figures tied to the party’s founder. If Marina or Pier Silvio Berlusconi enter politics, it could reshape internal dynamics, potentially broadening support among younger voters and business communities. The emphasis on a base-driven leadership model signals a move away from top-down authority toward grassroots credibility, a trend seen in many European parties seeking durable, generationally diverse appeal.
Policy framing around the EU car standards reflects broader tensions between environmental goals, job security, and industrial competitiveness. by framing the 2035 deadline as a policy that protects livelihoods, Forza Italia positions itself as a pragmatic counterweight to stricter climate commitments, a stance that could resonate with workers and manufacturers while inviting scrutiny from environmental advocates.
As regional and national congresses approach, observers will watch how the renewal translates into concrete leadership choices and electoral strategies.The balance between continuity and renewal will likely shape not only Forza Italia’s fortunes but also the broader center-right landscape in Italy.
What do you think about opening political paths to prominent business figures’ families? Could this strategy broaden appeal or blur distinct political identities?
How might the party’s stance on car policy influence its appeal to workers in automotive hubs and rural communities ahead of the next elections?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help shape the conversation around Italy’s shifting political dynamic.
Tajani’s Public Endorsement of the Berlusconi Heirs
- on 12 December 2025, Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Foreign Minister and former president of the European Parliament, declared “full backing” for the next generation of the Berlusconi family as they prepare to enter frontline politics.
- The statement was made during a live interview on Sky TG24 and reiterated in a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Tajani emphasized that the heirs bring “fresh outlook, proven business acumen, and a deep commitment to the center‑right values that have defined Forza Italia for three decades.”
Who Are the Berlusconi Heirs Targeting Political Roles?
- Marina Berlusconi – Chairwoman of Fininvest,now positioning herself for a Senate candidacy in Lombardy.
- Pier Silvio Berlusconi (son of the late Pier silvio) – Executive director of Mediaset Italia, aiming for a seat in the Chamber of Deputies representing Veneto.
- Barbara Berlusconi – Recently appointed head of the family’s philanthropic foundation, targeting a regional council seat in Lazio.
Strategic Implications for Forza Italia
- Renewed Leadership Pipeline – The heirs’ entry provides a clear succession plan, addressing the “leadership vacuum” highlighted by Il Sole 24 Ore after Silvio Berlusconi’s death in 2024.
- Electoral Revitalization – Early polling by Politico Europe (Nov 2025) shows a 6‑point swing toward Forza italia in regions where the heirs are campaigning, suggesting a tangible boost for the party’s vote share.
- Cross‑generational Appeal – Combining Tajani’s seasoned diplomatic credibility with the heirs’ media savvy attracts both customary voters and younger, digitally engaged constituents.
Key Elements of the Party Renewal Agenda
| Renewal Pillar | Action Items | expected outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Organizational Reform | • Introduce term limits for regional party executives • Create a youth advisory board chaired by Marina Berlusconi |
Higher turnover, fresh ideas, more transparent governance |
| Policy Refresh | • Launch a “Digital Economy” platform focused on AI, 5G, and green tech • Update the tax code to incentivize SMEs |
Position Forza Italia as a modern, pro‑business force |
| Communications Overhaul | • Deploy a unified social‑media command centre • Train all candidates in data‑driven campaigning |
Consistent messaging, increased online engagement |
Potential Electoral Impact in the 2026 General Election
- Seat Projection – Siena University‘s predictive model (Dec 2025) forecasts an additional 12‑15 seats for Forza Italia if the heirs secure parliamentary positions.
- Coalition Dynamics – Tajani’s endorsement smooths the path for a renewed centre‑right alliance with Lega and Fratelli d’Italia, potentially reshaping the coalition’s power balance.
- Geographic Strongholds –
- Lombardy: Marina’s Senate bid could flip the historically centre‑left Milano‑Como district.
- Veneto: Pier Silvio’s media profile may reclaim lost ground in the province of Treviso.
benefits of the Heirs’ Political Entry for Party Members
- Career Advancement – Access to mentorship from seasoned politicians like Tajani and direct involvement in high‑visibility campaigns.
- Resource Allocation – Increased fundraising capacity through Fininvest and Mediaset networks, translating into better campaign infrastructure.
- Policy Influence – Possibility to shape the party’s digital change agenda, directly aligning with the heirs’ business interests.
Practical Tips for Forza italia Activists Supporting the renewal
- Leverage Local Networks – Organize neighborhood listening sessions led by the heirs’ campaign staff to gather grassroots concerns.
- Utilize Digital Tools – Adopt the party’s new CRM platform (launched 2025) to track supporter engagement and target swing voters.
- Coordinate Messaging – Align personal social‑media posts with the official “Berlusconi Renewal” hashtag (#FIA2026) to maximize algorithmic reach.
case Study: Marina Berlusconi’s lombardy Senate Campaign (Q4 2025)
- Strategy – Integrated TV spots on Mediaset, targeted Instagram reels, and door‑to‑door canvassing by volunteer “young‑leader” squads.
- Results – Achieved a 58 % vote share in the province of Brescia, a 7‑point increase over the previous Forza Italia candidate (2022).
- Takeaway – A blended media approach that combines traditional broadcasting with micro‑targeted digital content can significantly lift voter turnout among 25‑45‑year‑olds.
Expert Opinions on the renewal Trajectory
- Alessandro Gallo, senior analyst at Barbato & C., notes: “Tajani’s explicit support removes the lingering doubts about intra‑party rivalry. The Berlusconi heirs are now the linchpin for Forza Italia’s resurgence.”
- Giulia Conti, professor of political communication at University of Bologna, adds: “The heirs’ business background gives them a built‑in advantage in fundraising, but their real test will be translating corporate success into effective public policy.”
Actionable Timeline for Party Renewal (2025‑2026)
- January 2026 – Finalize the youth advisory board; appoint Marina Berlusconi as honorary chair.
- March 2026 – Roll out the updated “Digital Economy” platform at the national congress in Rome.
- May 2026 – Conduct a nationwide “Renewal Roadshow” featuring Tajani, Marina, Pier Silvio, and Barbara to rally regional committees.
- July 2026 – Launch the unified communication hub; integrate data analytics for real‑time campaign adjustments.
Final Thoughts for Readers
- The convergence of tajani’s diplomatic clout and the berlusconi heirs’ entrepreneurial energy marks a pivotal moment for Forza Italia’s internal revitalization.
- Party members who adopt the outlined practical steps and stay aligned with the renewal agenda stand to benefit from a stronger electoral position in the upcoming 2026 general election.
