MATTEO RENZI, Italy’s former prime minister, has never been one to shrink from a bet. On February 19th he is set to stake all his remaining chips by resigning as leader of the governing Democratic Party (PD). It will be the second time in three months he has quit a top job, having resigned as prime minister in December after losing a referendum on constitutional reform. But this time he is hoping that, in the ensuing contest, he will be victorious. Why should he need, or want, re-election?
Since he was elected party leader in 2013, Mr Renzi has faced dogged opposition from inside the PD. His adversaries include left-wingers who dislike his business-friendly policies and members of the party’s old guard. The latest disagreement is over the timing of the next election. Neither side can enforce a date: it depends on the president, Sergio Mattarella, who has refused to dissolve parliament until Italy has new electoral rules that apply compatibly to both houses. Provided a new electoral law can be agreed, Mr Renzi wants a vote soon afterwards so he can win back the premiership as the PD’s candidate; his critics want to delay so that he gradually...Continue reading
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