Forza Italia, furious debate Craxi-Moratti on the program: "You can't bypass the leaders of the group, we are the legislators"

A heated confrontation erupted within Forza Italia during a meeting held Tuesday afternoon at its headquarters in San Lorenzo in Lucina, centering around the party's program for upcoming general elections in 2027. The dispute involved two prominent figures, Stefania Craxi, the Senate group leader, and Letizia Moratti, former mayor of Milan and president of the party’s Consulta, over the approach to drafting the electoral platform. The argument escalated before the arrival of party secretary Antonio Tajani, who later met privately with Craxi to address the issue. The meeting was intended to focus on economic policies and the broader political strategy leading up to the 2027 elections. Attendees included key party officials such as the vice-secretaries, department heads, and other senior members. Among them was Antonio D'Amato, former president of Confindustria, who initially struggled to find entry into the gathering. However, the planned discussion was overshadowed by the unexpected clash between Craxi and Moratti. Craxi criticized Moratti for her recent public statements on healthcare reform, particularly an interview she gave to Corriere della Sera discussing changes to outpatient care and an amendment proposed by Forza Italia members aimed at removing restrictions on doctors working exclusively for the national health service. Craxi accused Moratti of acting unilaterally without consulting the parliamentary group leaders, emphasizing that they were the legitimate legislative representatives of the party. Moratti had previously presented a document outlining her vision for healthcare reform during internal discussions on the party program. As head of the Consulta, she has been pushing to take a central role in shaping the party’s electoral manifesto. This ambition has drawn criticism from some within Forza Italia, who question whether Moratti is appropriately positioned to lead this effort given her previous roles. During the debate, Moratti appeared unable to effectively counter Craxi’s accusations, which further intensified the tension. The argument was eventually interrupted by the arrival of Tajani, who had earlier withdrawn to a private room with Craxi for a clarification. After their private conversation, the meeting resumed as scheduled to continue deliberations on future proposals. The disagreement highlights underlying tensions within Forza Italia regarding leadership roles and decision-making processes. Craxi, aligned with Marina Berlusconi, has been seeking to establish herself as a key figure within the party, while Moratti aims to assert her influence through her position in the Consulta. Their conflict underscores the challenges faced by the party in maintaining unity ahead of the 2027 elections. Tajani’s intervention suggests he is attempting to manage the internal discord and ensure cohesion among party leaders. His private meeting with Craxi indicates an effort to resolve the immediate dispute and prevent further disruptions to the strategic planning process. Despite the altercation, the meeting proceeded with the goal of finalizing policy positions for the upcoming electoral campaign. The incident reflects broader dynamics within Italian politics, where factional rivalries can impact the effectiveness of political parties. Forza Italia, as one of the major forces in the country, faces the challenge of balancing diverse interests and maintaining a unified front in preparation for the next election cycle. The outcome of the internal debates will likely shape the party’s direction and its ability to compete in the national arena.