Bonaccini: "Picierno stops calling us 'Lavrov camp' and resigns with Gualmini".

Stefano Bonaccini, president of Italy's Democratic Party (PD), has sharply criticized Pina Picierno, a former PD member who later joined the centrist party Azione, accusing her of using the term "campo Lavrov", a reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, to describe the PD's political stance. During an interview with journalist Augusto Minzolini at the "L'Estate del Principe" event in Viareggio, Bonaccini called on Picierno and former PD leader Enrico Gualmini to resign from their roles within the party, stating that they should step down after leaving the PD. He argued that elected officials who abandon their party symbol should allow new candidates chosen by voters to take their place. Bonaccini also challenged Carlo Calenda, another prominent figure from the PD’s reformist wing, suggesting that Calenda must choose between aligning with the progressive left or supporting the right. The president of the PD emphasized the need for unity among center-left forces ahead of upcoming elections, stressing that division would weaken their chances against a more cohesive right-wing bloc. He pointed to recent European trends, including the rise of far-right parties such as Germany’s AfD, France’s National Rally led by Marine Le Pen, and Spain’s Vox, as evidence of the growing influence of radical conservatism. During the interview, Bonaccini addressed concerns over Giuseppe Conte’s position on military aid to Ukraine, dismissing fears that Conte could become a divisive figure akin to former PD leader Matteo Renzi. He expressed confidence that the center-left could find common ground, noting that the disastrous fragmentation of the center-left in 2022 had allowed the right to gain power with less than 40% of the actual vote share. He warned that repeating such mistakes would lead to further losses. Bonaccini acknowledged that the right appears more unified than it actually is, citing examples such as the differing voting patterns of Forza Italia, Lega, and Brothers of Italy in Europe. Despite these differences, he noted that the right rarely engages in public disputes, unlike the center-left, which often faces internal conflicts. He urged figures like Calenda to recognize that the election outcome will likely hinge on whether they stand with the center-left or the right, emphasizing there is no viable middle path. The Italian politician extended his analysis to international developments, highlighting the alarming rise of far-right leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He warned that the strengthening of radical right movements makes it even more urgent to build a credible and united alternative. Referring to Alessandro Vannacci, a former PD leader known for controversial statements, Bonaccini suggested that a centrist approach would not succeed, arguing that either the center-left or an extreme right would prevail. In discussing the Five Star Movement (M5S), Bonaccini noted that seven years have passed since the yellow-green government, and the party has since avoided forming alliances with the center-right in local administrations. He credited himself with governing successfully without M5S support for ten years, while acknowledging the assistance provided to the movement in cities such as Bologna, Ravenna, Cesena, Modena, Reggio Emilia. He stressed the importance of generosity when in a position of strength, adding that such gestures can prove beneficial in times of need. The war in Ukraine remained a central theme of Bonaccini’s remarks. He reiterated that supporting a sovereign and democratic country under attack cannot be questioned, warning that a peace agreement that favors Russia would set a dangerous precedent. At the same time, he insisted on the necessity of achieving a just and lasting peace, recognizing that both Ukrainians and the international community are weary of ongoing conflict.