Giorgia Meloni's DC

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From Brothers of Italy to Brothers of DC. An unexpected evolution of the species. Or, more simply, a crazy, crazy end-of-summer idea . But what do former White Whale fighters think of Giorgia Meloni's latest speech at the Rimini Meeting? Of the pro-European moderation—and subsequent standing ovation—that has perhaps undermined any further restoration of Catholic-centrism in Italy?

"Compared to what the Italian political market has to offer, Giorgia Meloni's position is certainly the one most in keeping with our ancient vocations," former University Minister Ortensio Zecchino, an academic, criminal law historian, and Christian Democrat from Ariano Irpino, told Il Foglio . "On ethically sensitive issues," he explained, "no party today is closer to the DC." And Schlein's left? "Schlein fulfilled Augusto Del Noce's prophecy, according to which the Communist Party would become a mass radical party." And the others? I prefer not to talk about the Five Star Movement. Salvini is leaning toward Catholic positions, but with a disturbing ostentation, while Forza Italia, on the ethical level, advances radical and exploitative discourses. That leaves Giorgia Meloni. Yes, she has inherited the centrist electoral legacy. After all, the middle class is automatically tapped into, which is as much an economic as it is a spiritual category. The people have identified the FdI as the ultimate destination, and we hope it will be permanent.

Far less convinced, though intrigued by the idea, is Giulio Andreotti's former Budget Minister. For Paolo Cirino Pomicino, "the reasoning is paradoxical, though understandable." The point, he says, "is that in the absence of a popular center, the electorate either doesn't vote or joins a party according to the logic of the lesser evil." Which, in this case, would be the logic of FdI. "Meloni's party," Pomicino argues, "gains some popular support. Attempts to reconstitute the center, so far, have been ridiculous. And yet, neither FdI nor the other parties have anything to do with the Christian Democrats, which was the mother of Italian society. The leadership of Meloni and the others has nothing to do with the election of secretaries at congresses. Meloni is doing well in foreign policy, but that's obvious: everyone in government is aligning themselves with Atlanticism. And since the country isn't growing, and circumstances have changed profoundly, no party can truly compare to the DC. Although, I recognize, the reasoning makes sense in electoral terms."

For Luigi Zanda, secretary and spokesman for Francesco Cossiga, as well as a former senator and treasurer of the Democratic Party, "the Christian Democrats had completely different cultural and political foundations and completely different traveling companions than Giorgia Meloni." "Comparisons are inappropriate," Zanda argues, "because the DC was a centrist party that looked to the left, while Meloni is a right-wing leader who looks to the center . Rather, it is the Democratic Party that should reflect on the Rimini speech..." In what way? "The CL meeting showed a Meloni who looks toward the center, very un-Salvinian. So, if the Democratic Party doesn't abandon its Five Star Movement world and regain political initiative, Meloni's positioning could give it a significant advantage in the upcoming regional elections."

Gianfranco Rotondi, from the right, agrees that Meloni's ideology is not Christian Democrat. "And yet," he adds, "it plays exactly the same role in international guarantees and in regenerating relationships with intermediate social bodies , the cornerstone of Christian Democrat collateralism. As for the moderate electorate, where should they go if not to the FdI? The PD is centered on a radicalism that Catholics find indigestible. Forza Italia has become a post-DC undergrowth. With the PDL failing, the FdI is the closest thing to a big party. And then..." And then? "The DC was the party of the nation that Professor Giovagnoli called 'the Italian party.' So, Giorgia must cultivate the same ambition. Or at least I hope so."

Clemente Mastella, a centrist expert, echoes Rotondi's comment, saying: "Meloni is winning over moderates not so much for her foreign policy, which is up and down but better than expected, but for Matteo Salvini, who is moving to the right and leaving a gap." Okay, but what about the Democratic Party? "The Democratic Party, with the Five Star Movement, will die again."

But in the end, between analyses and suggestions, the eternal Christian Democrat boy, Senator Pier Ferdinando Casini, cuts him short. Ironic, epigrammatic. "Brothers of the Christian Church? I won't comment. I'd rather not break this idyll."

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