“I don’t want to divide the movement, but I would like it to be more dynamic.” Thus the president of the Calabria Region Roberto Occhiuto explains the reasons that push him not to challenge Antonio Tajani at the Forza Italia congress.
«Here the problem is not Tajani, who can be secretary for life, but it is making Forza Italia grow as an authentically liberal and reformist party, updating Berlusconi’s lesson», he states in an interview with Repubblica.
The relationship with Marina Berlusconi
Occhiuto also returns to the meeting with Marina Berlusconi: «He sees not only me but many leaders of the party and I believe that he asks everyone to relaunch it without dividing it. The attention of the Berlusconi family is precious for Forza Italia, their children have the power to arouse great interest even when they don’t speak.”
Regarding the initiative he is organizing in Milan, he adds: «I also spoke about it with Marina, it will be a moment of discussion with those who would like a more liberal country».
Criticism of the centre-right
When asked if Tajani is doing enough, Occhiuto replies: «The center-right lacks a political offering that is liberal and reformist. I asked to talk about healthcare, immigration, taxis, in short, reforms. But while I raised questions of substance, I was portrayed only as Tajani’s antagonist.”
“Just as many think that a good prime minister like Giorgia Meloni is enough, I wouldn’t want Forza Italia to remain with folded arms thinking that Tajani is enough.”
Civil rights and reforms
«Forza Italia was born to interpret a liberal revolution – he underlines – I will not give an inch on my ideas. We need to be more courageous on competition, on the market, on services, on healthcare and also on civil rights and the end of life.”
«Young people see us as too conservative a coalition. Berlusconi allowed freedom of conscience, we could do the same and be more courageous than the League and the Brothers of Italy.”
The 20% target
Finally, on the 20% objective indicated by Tajani: «We all want it, I hope he gets help not only from those already in the party, but also from new energies, as Berlusconi did with Martino, Urbani and Ferrara. This way we would make Forza Italia smarter and more innovative.”