Salis: "There's a leadership issue on the left, but I'm staying here. Alternate license plates and guarantees aren't valid."

The important thing is to move: it helps you gain space, gain attention, gauge moods. This is why, in the vast prairie of the center of national politics, so many have said, done, and proposed in recent months and especially these days. From Matteo Renzi to Dario Franceschini , the first to outline the potential of a new political force capable of reaching 10 percent by bringing together all the small centrist parties. From Ernesto Maria Ruffini to Alessandro Onorato , the super Roman councilor who today in Fermo in the Marche region gathered 200 mayors, both male and female, and councilors with the idea of "continuing a process that is creating a new national civic project from the bottom."

This is why, even more so, a message from Genoa arrives to web surfers about the new face on the scene: the city's new mayor, Silvia Salis , a civic centrist and reformist, one of the figures Franceschini himself has urged to keep an eye on nationally amid Democratic concerns. "I can only say that I've been mayor for two months, and I have a lot to do," she replied, at least for now, "those who love me and Genoa should let me work here."

Things change quickly, however, in politics. And it was Renzi and Franceschini who pointed to her as a potential future leader of the center-left, though not exactly the first two to do so.

" But I've just become mayor of a large city. My commitment is delicate and all-encompassing, and there's no room for distractions. My focus now is on a municipality left in dire straits by the right, and on decisions to be made about public companies, the property tax (IMU), and the waste management cycle. Nothing else."

I insist. Franceschini has identified her as one of three figures to look to for future national leadership. That must mean something.

And I repeat, anyone who cares about me should let me work in my city. That said, it's true that there's a major leadership issue on the left. An issue that, let's be clear, has nothing to do with me. I come from experience in sports, where to win you always have to rely on those who can and know how to do it. On the right, this is a very clear mechanism. On the left, there's a major problem with leaders and winning figures.

Who should we consider this message to be addressed to?

"To those in the progressive camp who feel the need to differentiate themselves, rather than focusing on divisive elements rather than those that can unite the camp. I've always said this, right from the start, and it's also been helpful in my coalition, here in Genoa: differences between allies must be managed, and we might as well do it in government, rather than in opposition."

Elly Schlein says so, in a way. What's her relationship with the Democratic Party secretary like?

I appreciate her very much; I'd say we've openly supported each other. She's really making a huge effort to keep the camp "stubbornly united," as she puts it. If this line, which truly includes everyone, is truly shared, it will be a major problem for the right.

In that unified coalition, she says, everyone is needed. Do you think in 2027, will it really be possible to see the broadest possible field, from Renzi's supporters to the post-Grillini, lined up on the same ballot?

The point is simple: to expand, the left must consolidate a center-left electorate. The center-right, unlike the center-left, has no capacity for expansion. Together, they will achieve the combined percentages of their parties. By joining forces, we can only grow. I saw this happen in Genoa, clearly. A united field and a solid proposal bring people back to the polls; it can win over even that disheartened center-left electorate that has been alienated for years. In Genoa, in the last elections, 44 percent of voters turned out; this time, 52 percent. The left is different from the right; their respective electorates are profoundly different, and Italy is not a right-wing country, it is a progressive country.

What do you think of the latest legal turmoil involving two prominent figures on the national left, the mayor of Milan Beppe Sala and the former mayor of Pesaro Matteo Ricci?

I think we should be a guarantor with everyone, and truly be one. Not like the center-right, which claims to be one with its top officials, and then sends the second-stringers to be beaten up. The same ones who are involved in matters far more serious than a formal investigation notice, and I know something about that (the reference is to the dossier scandal involving former FdI councilor in Genoa, Sergio Gambino, ed. ). We need to be a guarantor at all times, not on alternate occasions.

Today, there were those waiting for her in Fermo, where Onorato brought together civic leaders from across the country to outline a new national direction, as well as to express their solidarity with Ricci.

"I only leave Genoa for matters related to the city's future, or events that may benefit the city's governance. I might go to the Festa dell'Unità in Milan for an evening, but certainly not to the Marche region for a whole day."

What do you think of the initiative by Onorato's administrators?

I think there's a large civic movement in this country that needs to be protected and supported, especially because it helps bring Italians back into politics. Onorato's proposal is intelligent; it intelligently addresses the need to find new civic figures to revitalize political initiatives. Let's ask ourselves this, because it's attracting so much attention.

Why?

"Because we should ask ourselves why citizens look with ever-increasing trust to civic figures, and ever less to political figures."

Why, in your opinion?

Because a civic figure will always have a more practical approach to things than the more ideological one of politics. When I was asked to run for mayor of Genoa, I said I would only do so if the progressive camp presented itself united. I'll dedicate my life to the city, but only if the center-left forces run together.

Is this a way of leaving little hope to the parties that asked you to take up the membership card, I presume many, this?

"I have no intention of joining any party; I don't feel the need. The parties in my coalition in Genoa openly support me; I have no need for anything else; I let the others speculate. Besides, I was portrayed first as a dangerous communist and then as a liberal masquerading as a left-winger. I've been all over the progressive spectrum, but I'm a civic activist."