Interview with Matteo Ricci: "Center-left government, reconquering Palazzo Chigi begins in the Marche region."

Matteo Ricci, Democratic Party MEP, former mayor of Pesaro, and center-left candidate for president of the Marche region. All political analysts, when trying to predict the next round of regional elections, agree that Marche is the deciding factor in determining the winners and losers of the overall electoral contest. Why does Marche have this value? Because true change can begin in the Marche: it's no coincidence that I chose the slogan " a change in the Marche." The Marche is a strategic region in central Italy, the fulcrum and hinge of Italy, a shining example that Central Italy can represent a key element in the country's development, balancing a resurgent Northern issue with a persistent Southern one. It embodies several quintessential Italian elements: the coast and inland areas, excellent manufacturing, and traditional agriculture. This is why a "change in the Marche" could represent a catalyst for renewal for Italy as a whole. While analysts predict no changes from other regions, a political shift in the Marche would mark the beginning of a journey that—in 2027—could lead to a change in the occupant of Palazzo Chigi. I hope my fellow countrymen choose change, and from what I hear as I travel the region, citizens' demands are oriented precisely in this direction.

What are the priorities of your project for change in the Marche region? Healthcare, a minimum wage, support for inland areas, infrastructure, culture as a driver of development, Europeanism as a foundation and vision. These are all elements, therefore, that I believe can also be applied at the national level. The Marche region's local healthcare system is no longer resilient; it's in crisis: medical services closed, endless waiting lists, and citizens left waiting in emergency rooms for days. Those in need of a doctor face long journeys and hours of waiting. Meanwhile, healthcare workers work under pressure, relentlessly. A network of efficient services must be rebuilt. Regarding employment, we propose a regional minimum wage for anyone working for the Region: we want to ensure that collective bargaining agreements are applied in contracts and subcontracts financed by the Region, and a minimum hourly wage of no less than 9 euros . Regarding inland areas, we propose 30,000 euros for couples who move to the hinterland, free nursery schools for inland children, more support and services for doctors and healthcare workers in inland areas, and free transportation for inland students. Regarding infrastructure, I believe our airport should work in a network with other airports in central Italy: there are four airports (Falconara, Perugia, Rimini, Pescara) that compete with each other. An interregional strategy is needed to federate these airports so that they can perform complementary functions, otherwise they are all doomed to failure. Finally, culture and Europeanism are key words for the region's development: Pesaro, from Italian Capital of Culture 2024, has become a national city. Now let's make the Marche a European region, with Pesaro-Urbino's candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2033.

It may be a misperception, but the impression is that at the national level, rather than committing to establishing roots in the local communities, the Democratic Party leaders are dedicated to a sort of permanent media congress. The Democratic Party boasts scores of young—and not-so-young—local administrators, rooted in their communities, champions of the party's founding values: democracy, support for workers' rights and the most vulnerable, attention to the environment and the sustainability of local policies. A strong base that must be nurtured, a treasure trove of experience to be treasured. I think of my friends Roberto Gualtieri and Gaetano Manfredi, mayors at the forefront of urban and social change in their cities. I think of the talented Vittoria Ferdinandi and Stefania Proietti, both capable of shining a spotlight on Umbria. There is a strong and healthy Democratic Party that the media often forgets, giving vent to supposed controversies.

For her positions on Israel and Palestine, as well as for supporting the five referendums, Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein has been accused of pacifist maximalism and subservience to Landini, Conte, and Fratoianni. Are we back to the "secretary-of-war" ? What is happening in the Middle East makes it increasingly clear that the only solution to pacify that part of the world is that of "two peoples, two states ." The situation in the Middle East is dramatic; it is necessary to stop the escalation and the tragedy affecting the people of Gaza as soon as possible. Netanyahu is putting the Middle East, the Israeli people, and the entire world at risk with irresponsible policies. The right to defense should not be confused with revenge. I consider myself a pragmatic pacifist: ideologies aside, with healthy pragmatism, the European Union must become a spokesperson, with strong and authoritative diplomatic action, to end the tragedy affecting the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. This is not maximalism, but pragmatism. And the values of peace and democracy are inherent in the DNA of the Democratic Party. Now, therefore, is the time to stand united, because only together can we win and achieve the change we hope for: this is not the time to think about conferences, it is the time to work together alongside our Secretary.

You were mayor of Pesaro, are a Democratic Party MEP, and are a candidate for president of the Marche region. Based on these experiences, can you clarify what the hell "government culture" means to the Democrats? Some accuse Schlein of being ignorant of it. I am proud of my apprenticeship. As I have often recalled, both in my book entitled Bread and Politics ( Paperfirst, 2023) and in the initiatives of the same name—namely, the dinners with local families, whom I have met over the years, not necessarily during election campaigns, but constantly, as an exercise in listening to the real country—well, I am proud to have lived "bread and politics." Because I believe that politics is precisely this: engaging and listening to the local community, keeping a pulse on the concerns of citizens, and also the ability to sit down and discuss with those who disagree with our ideas. It is from discussion that the best ideas and proposals for a region are born. Today, I know what the needs of the people of the Marche are—an efficient healthcare system, a regional minimum wage, widespread infrastructure, services and support for inland areas—because precisely thanks to those experiences—as mayor, as provincial president, as MEP—I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in the daily lives of my fellow countrymen, without ever distancing myself from them, even while living in Brussels. My mind and heart soar to Europe, dreaming of a pro-European region: but my feet remain firmly anchored to my homeland. This is the secret of our "culture of governance" as democrats. Governing isn't about standing above others, it's about being among the people: this is the true meaning of being popular, not populist. Secretary Schlein, a former MEP at a very young age, draws from this culture, which stems primarily from empathy, the ability to be among people and listen to their needs and hopes.

Speaking of alliances, in the Marche region, Calenda has distanced himself from the broad camp that supports him. In the Marche region, we have worked to build a broad grassroots alliance, which is not coincidentally called the "Alliance for Change." As I said, all our efforts and hopes are aimed at achieving real change for the region. The Alliance for Change comprises 19 political forces: the Democratic Party, the Five Star Movement, Green Europe, the Italian Left, Italia Viva, Più Europa, the Italian Socialist Party, Possibile, Marche Civiche, Rifondazione Comunista, Dipende da Noi, Volt, Marche Reformists, Nuove Marche, Demos, the Liberal Socialist Movement, the Italian Republican Party, the People's Movement, and Italia in Comune. An alliance of civic groups, parties, and movements that refuse to surrender to the mediocrity in which the Marche region finds itself and that want to build a future of hope for all the people of the Marche. By listening and engaging with those who live in the regions, we have jointly written a serious and concrete program that focuses on people, healthcare, inland areas, business development, the environment, jobs, and social issues. Yesterday (Friday, July 11, ed.), we presented our program in the square in Ancona, at an event promoted by all the political forces of the Alliance for Change. The Piazza del Cambiamento event was well attended, which makes us believe even more strongly that together we win and that real change for our region is possible. Only one date remains now: the election. Why is the Region waiting to set it? What is it afraid of? Why is it forcing the people of the Marche region to campaign in the summer, instead of sensibly choosing, as happened in Tuscany, to vote in October? They should put aside party interests for once and think of the people of the Marche region. As for Carlo Calenda, I can say I have always respected him and believe he has done a great job in government. Regarding the Marche region, I have been in conversation for months with many Azione members and voters who have decided to support my candidacy. In recent days, we learned of Calenda's decision not to run with anyone. I have always respected Azione's positions and obviously respect this decision as well, but I will try again to convince Carlo on his platform regarding the economy and healthcare. The Marche region is at risk of decline, and we are working to change gears with anyone who advocates radical change.

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Umberto De Giovannangeli