Elly Schlein pushes decisive primary and vows full Italian support for Ukraine

Elly Schlein, secretary of Italy’s Democratic Party (PD), is focusing on an internal primary as the sole path to a winning election, despite criticism and polls that place her behind former prime minister Giuseppe Conte. She argues that a primary will unite the centre‑left alliance and prevent a right‑wing return, stating, “Nessuno si prenderà la responsabilità di riconsegnare il paese alla destra.”

Schlein also announced that the PD will support Ukraine “with all means at its disposal,” condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin for violating international law and backing the delivery of arms to Kyiv. Her platform links domestic coalition stability with a firm stance on the Ukraine conflict and Italy’s energy and defence policies.