# Forza Italia leadership transition in Basilicata

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/forza-italia-leadership-transition-in-basilicata
> Updated: 2026-09-06T12:26:35.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Forza Italia is undergoing a leadership transition in the Basilicata region. Minister of Reforms Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati is expected to step down as the party’s regional coordinator following months of internal negotiations. This shift may influence Casellati’s future political path, including a potential move to seek candidacy in Veneto for the 2027 elections.

Vito Bardi has officially announced his candidacy for the position of regional secretary, a move reached through a unanimous agreement within the party. A regional congress is scheduled for September 19, 2026, in Potenza, where the party will elect a regional secretary and 20 members of the regional secretariat. The youth movement of the party has expressed satisfaction with the agreement, acknowledging Casellati’s role in strengthening the party’s regional presence.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Vito Bardi announces candidacy for Forza Italia regional secretary in Basilicata

Vito Bardi has been named a unanimous candidate for the regional secretary of Forza Italia in Basilicata, ahead of a regional congress scheduled for September 19, 2026.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vito-bardi-announces-candidacy-for-forza-italia-regional-secretary-in-basilicata

### 2026-08-26: Forza Italia to replace Casellati with Vito Bardi in Basilicata

Minister Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati is expected to leave her role as Forza Italia coordinator in Basilicata, with Governor Vito Bardi poised to succeed her during a regional congress in September.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/forza-italia-to-replace-casellati-with-vito-bardi-in-basilicata

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Cite as: Forza Italia leadership transition in Basilicata. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/forza-italia-leadership-transition-in-basilicata