He did not feel directly implicated by Forzista Sergio Costanzo’s veto towards a candidate for mayor of the League. But Filippo Mancuso, vice-president of the Region and former regional commissioner of the Carroccio, does not back down from this start of political debate with a view to the next electoral campaign for the renewal of the municipal bodies in 2027.
In a telephone conversation with the Gazzetta del Sud, he clearly states that «I don’t think he was referring to me, he spoke of the League: I am a member of the centre-right, and I am in the League just as he, at least until now, is in Forza Italia: in the meantime, we will have to see if this veto is also from his party or if he is speaking in a personal capacity. In any case – and here Mancuso launches his message – I am ready to support Sergio Costanzo’s candidacy for mayor: he has such experience that I believe he can help him, he knows the neighborhoods well, the whole city. If he were to run, my personal vote will go to him.”
This is neither a provocation nor a challenge, Mancuso clarifies when asked directly: «If legitimate means existed, I would certify my vote for him, to whom I am linked by over ten years of friendship and esteem. And I also think it could have a good result.” The exponent reiterates that he is ready to support him if the centre-right indicates Forza Italia and him as a candidate, «as I supported him in the regional elections when he ran with Mario Oliverio’s centre-left. Then I voted for him against the centre-right, imagine if I wouldn’t vote for him now.” And, roles reversed, Mancuso believes that “if I were the candidate for mayor, I think he would support me”.
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