Regional elections: Stalemate in Calabria, Decaro's candidacy in Puglia gets closer.

The Democratic Party is trying to accelerate its progress in Puglia, with a move decided by Elly Schlein to unblock Antonio Decaro's candidacy. This led to a meeting between the Democratic Party MEP and former mayor of Bari, the outgoing governor Michele Emiliano (who until now had refused to step aside), Igor Taruffi, the leader's right-hand man, and the party's secretary general Domenico De Santis, who hosted the meeting. A "cordial and constructive" discussion, explained the Nazareno representatives, in which "the foundations were laid for a joint effort for the future of Puglia."

Official communications don't go any further. But those closely following the situation note a clear signal from party leaders: essentially, everyone must soften their positions to facilitate a solution. This could therefore be the first step toward a détente that will clear Decaro's candidacy. His concerns until now have been tied to the possibility of finding the Regional Council with the cumbersome presence of two former governors, Nichi Vendola and Emiliano. Ultimately, it's not out of the question that Emiliano might decline to be included on the list. Among the possible scenarios, circulating locally, is that the former magistrate could coordinate Decaro's election campaign and perhaps even take on a position as councilor.

These are crucial hours for Calabria, too. The Democratic Party (PD) is quickly awaiting a definitive response from Pasquale Tridico , a native of Cosenza, former president of the Italian National Institute of Social Security (INPS), who joined the European Parliament with the Five Star Movement (M5S). His social media post from a couple of days ago, featuring a photo of a long table and the message "Calabria mia, terra mia," was interpreted as a clue, but in the last 48 hours, he has reportedly expressed further doubts. The Democratic Party is skeptical of other candidates the Five Star Movement might nominate, such as MP Vittoria Baldino . And there is a clear gap between Tridico and Flavio Stasi, mayor of Corigliano-Rossano. Without an agreement soon, the center-left could face a divided election in Calabria.

And these are hours of reflection within the center-right as well. After resigning, Roberto Occhiuto announced his intention to run again , but the coalition is considering a "Plan B" in the event of a worsening of the judicial situation. There has also been speculation that Giorgia Meloni might bring up the Luigi Sbarra card, but this has been denied, with the former CISL secretary assured that he has not expressed any availability for the regional elections, remaining focused on his role as undersecretary for the South.

A decision is expected at the summit between Meloni and the other coalition leaders, Matteo Salvini, Antonio Tajani, and Maurizio Lupi, which could be held even before the end of August. The Veneto conundrum is also expected to be resolved at that time, with the tug-of-war between the Brothers of Italy (FdI) and the League (Lega) over Luca Zaia's successor, as well as the candidate for Campania. The possibility of Edmondo Cirielli (FdI's candidate) appears to have cooled, unlike that of Giosy Romano (whom Azione may also be interested in). Polls have also been commissioned on Mara Carfagna of Noi Moderati, and a civic profile such as Gianfranco Nicoletti, rector of the Vanvitelli University, has not been ruled out.