What is happening
According to AGI, Conte raised concerns that primaries could take place too close to a possible general election, particularly if voting were held in late April or early May. One proposal was to await a Constitutional Court ruling on a law requiring coalitions to indicate in advance who would lead the government. Conte opposed waiting indefinitely, while PD organisational chief Igor Taruffi indicated January as a possible month for the primaries. The article reports that the option of a third candidate for premiership is no longer under consideration, leaving the primaries as the remaining route discussed by the two parties.
Why is it on the Radar?
The timing of the primaries is linked to the electoral calendar, the law governing coalitions and the preparation of a joint centre-left programme. The parties still need to address these issues before determining the procedures and schedule.