Italy’s center-left scene had a mini moment this week: questions about who will lead the coalition, and whether primaries are the way to pick that person. Three key figures weighed in, each with a slightly different priority list.

Conte: I could run, but first I need to check with my people

Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, told SkyTG24 that he is available to run in the progressive primaries. He was careful to add that he has not yet consulted either the movement’s internal bodies or its grassroots base. Conte stressed that the M5S needs a clear protagonist and argued that primaries should be open to citizens rather than limited to party apparati. In short: he could stand, but only if the contest truly invites public participation.

Fratoianni: Primaries are fine, but let’s get a minimum wage law first

Nicola Fratoianni, speaking at an Avs press conference after the ‘No’ vote on the justice referendum, said the debate about primaries is legitimate. Still, he argued that the urgent task is concrete policy. His priority right now is passing a new minimum wage law. Fratoianni proposed reintroducing a plan for an €11 per hour minimum wage, and said that should be the starting point for coalition work.

Boccia: The progressive field already exists, primaries are a natural path

Francesco Boccia, president of the Democratic Party’s senators, framed the situation differently. He said the progressive field is already in place, built day by day in Parliament through broad agreement among opposition forces. Boccia highlighted shared priorities such as wages, Europe, public health, and education, and said parties will spend the next year shaping a common program. On leadership selection, he pointed out that primaries are part of the Democratic Party’s DNA and called them an appropriate way to choose the coalition’s guide.

Where this leaves things

  • Conte is open but wants internal and base approval, and wants open primaries.
  • Fratoianni accepts the primaries debate but wants immediate focus on an €11 minimum wage law.
  • Boccia says the coalition is already coalescing on common themes and that primaries make sense for picking a leader.

So the party talk continues: some are polishing the leadership question, others want policy first. Expect more public squabbles and a lot of framing about who speaks for the citizens. Meanwhile, one clear policy ask is back on the table: a minimum wage proposal at €11 per hour.