In Forza Italia «there is an attempt, which should be shared by everyone, to make it glorious again. It has represented a great political novelty in the last thirty years. Silvio Berlusconi was a great innovator. But the disciples’ task should be to interpret the master’s lessons, not just quote him. Those who have achieved great things in life have not succeeded only because of good teachings. Forza Italia has lost its charge of modernity.”
The party “floats”
Thus Roberto Occhiuto, president of the Calabria Region and deputy national secretary of Forza Italia, in an interview with Panorama. «It will be impossible to find another Berlusconi. However, we should take it as an example. It opened up to people who had never been involved in politics: from scholars to entrepreneurs.” Meanwhile, is the party getting by? “It floats.” Is it the leader’s fault? “Tajani – says Occhiuto – must have our gratitude. He allowed us to survive when everything seemed over. He demonstrated balance and wisdom. Now, however, we need to relaunch. He himself said that the objective was to reach twenty percent”.
“I would like a more open party. Fresh air. New energy”
The party is now at 8%. “Precisely”. The undertaking – writes Panorama – does not seem easy. «Instead – continues the deputy secretary of FI – we can do it. Just shift into another gear. Let’s take the extraordinary and talented Meloni. I met her even before I became group leader in the chamber. But not even I, who have always been a great admirer of hers, would have ever thought that she would become the most authoritative leader in Europe. I have the impression that the center right limits itself to observing Giorgia, while it should be thinking about strengthening the coalition.” To the question, “Aren’t you an added value?”, Occhiuto replies: “Not as much as we could be. In Berlusconi’s time, on the other side there were Prodi and Gentiloni. Now there are Schlein and Albanese. A good piece of moderate reformism should be intercepted by Forza Italia.” And when asked about «Tajani, in fact, is courting Calenda», the governor of Calabria says: “And it’s good. But the real point remains the political turning point.” «I would like a more open party. Fresh air. New energy», concludes Occhiuto.