Bari, the left must be divided in the vote. Primaries at the polls, the center-right smiles –

Vito Leccese and Michele Laforgia, who were unable to face each other in the centre-left primaries for the mayoral candidate of Bari, will face each other in the polls. But, they assure, they are on the same side, so much so that from now on they are committed to supporting each other in the event of a challenge in the run-off of one of the two against the centre-right candidate. A joint note dispels any doubt about the desire of the two, after the vicissitudes of recent weeks, to work together in the progressive field, and the choice to both run in the first round should also be read in this light: «There is no other way, a this point – they explain – to mobilize in the electoral challenge the entire democratic and progressive front which has been committed, for months, in support of both”. «Even if we are divided in the first round», Leccese and Laforgia point out, «we want to strongly reiterate that we are both on the same side, an alternative to an arrogant right, devoid of arguments, retrograde in terms of rights, social and environmental justice. A right wing with Northern League influence, which with the wicked project of differentiated autonomy mortifies the territories and communities of the south of our country.” A dialogue that has never been interrupted – they underline – because the objective of both “is not to divide, but to unite progressive forces”.

Also for this reason, the two centre-left candidates are asking the forces that support them for a pact that includes a common commitment to the transparency of the lists and above all mutual support in the event of a run-off. Finally, “if one of us is elected mayor”, they ask for “the willingness to build a government team that enhances the experiences and skills of both sides”. From Basilicata, where he is for the closing of the electoral campaign, the leader of the M5S Giuseppe Conte, who had blown up the primaries, ‘blesses’ the joint note: «We have always worked to maintain unity, obviously on assumptions and objectives shared and on the basis of legality, strengthening and also renewal. This proposal from the candidates is a proposal that we knew about and therefore we support it.” Regardless of the justifications, the wide field went up in smoke.