by InTrieste
In anticipation of the upcoming EU elections, Italy’s political arena is set to witness a riveting showdown as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, head of the right-wing Fratelli d’Italia (FdI) party, squares off against Elly Schlein, leader of the center-left Partito Democratico (PD), in a televised debate slated for May 23.
This high-stakes duel, strategically timed just two weeks ahead of the European elections, will unfold on the prestigious RAI 1 talk show “Porta a Porta,” under the seasoned guidance of veteran journalist Bruno Vespa.
Meloni and Schlein, both vying for positions as candidates in the EU elections, are poised to engage in a battle of ideas centering on pivotal issues such as employment security, healthcare, and migration policies.
Marking a historic milestone, this face-off will be the first-ever televised clash between two prominent female political leaders in Italy, as highlighted by the state broadcaster RAI.
However, amidst the anticipation, criticism has emerged from opposition quarters, including the populist Movimento 5 Stelle, led by former premier Giuseppe Conte, and the centrist Azione party helmed by Carlo Calenda.
Riccardo Magi of the liberal Più Europa party has condemned the Meloni-Schlein debate, denouncing it as an “out-of-tune duet” and flagging concerns of legal violations. Magi contends that either all political forces should be included in the debate or, alternatively, the head-to-head confrontation between the PD leader and the prime minister should be reconsidered.
