Cateno De Luca announces candidacy for Sicilian regional primaries

Cateno De Luca, leader of Sud chiama Nord, has announced his intention to run for the presidency of Sicily should the center-left coalition decide to hold primary elections. De Luca stated that the choice should be left to the Sicilian voters and has already informed Nuccio Di Paola, the regional coordinator of the Five Star Movement, of his intent to participate.

The prospect of primaries has caused division within the center-left coalition. While groups such as Casa Riformista and the Socialists support the move, Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra opposes expanding the coalition at this stage. Other potential candidates mentioned include Ismaele La Vardera, who has placed a veto on the involvement of the Movimento per l’Autonomia.

The political landscape remains cautious following the 2022 regional elections, where primaries were held but failed to prevent a coalition split. In that election, the center-right won with approximately 42%, while De Luca finished second with 24%.