«We are not in crisis because, on the contrary, we can aggregate a liberal, reformist, popular world that others do not have. The point is to be able to stimulate one’s liberal and reformist vocation even further.” Thus Roberto Occhiuto, president of the Calabria Region and national deputy secretary of Forza Italia, in an interview with Il Foglio.
“No to the card party”
Occhiuto highlighted how the need to open up the party was already clear before the referendum, recognizing that “those who want to hold congresses must be animated by good faith”, also in the attempt to find legitimacy after the end of the leadership linked to Silvio Berlusconi. However, he warned against a return to dynamics of the past: «Becoming the party of membership cards, of congresses as a twentieth-century ritual, would distort Forza Italia».
Support for Tajani
As for the prospect of Antonio Tajani remaining secretary until the political elections, Occhiuto responded positively, underlining “the extraordinary work” carried out after Berlusconi’s death, “when no one gave us a cent”, and reiterating that “there is no question of leadership”.
For the governor, the congress should be celebrated “after the political elections, not before”.
The role of Gianni Letta
Finally, Occhiuto indicated Gianni Letta as a reference figure: «He has always been a very wise and balanced man, fundamental qualities at a time when we are trying to open up and innovate the party. So yes, it can have an important role.”