As Meloni’s hold over Italy weakens, a progressive challenger gathers momentum | Italy

It’s been a tumultuous month in Italian politics.

The failed referendum on a judicial overhaul punctured prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s aura of invincibility, triggering government resignations and leaving him scrambling to restore credibility. At the same time, her once special relationship with Donald Trump frayed after the US president publicly rebuked her this week for criticizing his broadside against Pope Leo and not supporting the US-Israeli war against Iran.

While the drama was playing out in Rome, a very different scene was taking shape in Genoa, northern Italy. More than 20,000 people packed the central Piazza Matteotti last weekend for a free performance by award-winning Belgian techno DJ Charlotte de Witte.

It was more than a party. Genoa’s sunglasses-wearing mayor, Silvia Salis, a former Olympic hammer thrower and widely discussed as a plausible rival to Meloni in the next general election, was dancing on stage with De Witte. Footage of the event went viral, boosting Salis’s profile.

“He was a breath of fresh air,” said Giulia Bianchi, a business consultant from Genoa. “It is particularly well-liked for injecting some youthful energy into a dormant and demographically stale city.”

Salis, 40, was elected mayor of Genoa less than a year ago, marking a significant victory for the opposition in the sprawling port city that had previously been under right-wing rule for eight years. A progressive with no party affiliation, he held a senior role in the Italian Olympic Committee before being asked to run for mayor by an alliance of left and centrist forces. His success immediately positioned him as a potential unifier at the national level.

Although the opposition has been strengthened by Meloni’s failure in the referendum, which many see as a general rejection of his government, it remains fragmented and lacks a clear leader who can credibly assume the role of prime minister at the next election, which will take place before October 2027.

Elly Schlein, head of the Democratic Party, the largest opposition party, and former prime minister Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, are expected to fight in the primaries after the alliance agreed on a programme.

But none of them have much appeal as potential prime ministers among Italian voters.

Salis, who competed in two Olympics and has a five-circle logo tattooed on his neck, had promised to complete his term as mayor, but in a recent statement Interview with Bloomberg He seemed open to entering the playing field.

“It is clear that I cannot escape the national attention, I cannot escape the questions. This is an interesting thing, it flatters my pride,” he said. Although he said he would not run in any primaries, he said he would consider leading the opposition if asked. “I can’t even say I wouldn’t consider it in the face of a unifying demand. That would be a lie.”

The techno party didn’t happen by chance. Genoa council passed the bill as part of Salis’ strategy to use public space for free events to promote social inclusion and urban renewal, especially for younger residents. The party was also symbolic in contrast to Meloni’s “anti-rage” decree. unauthorized meetings In one of the first laws introduced by his government after coming to power in October 2022.

Salis’ other priorities since becoming mayor include revitalizing the once-mighty maritime republic’s economy, improving public transportation and fighting crime.

Salis raised his profile last fall by participating in protests against the war in Gaza and supporting dock workers blocking arms shipments destined for Israel.

“He really distinguished himself by making a stark comparison to Meloni, who never expressed a position in any way,” Bianchi said. “I find it really uplifting and hopeful.”

Genoa-born journalist Davide Ghiglione said Salis has a strong appeal, especially because he gives priority to young people. “Genoa is a city with one of the oldest populations in Europe, and previous administrations were accused of forgetting about young people.”

“He is young, dynamic,” Ghiglione said. “He doesn’t come from a political background, but he’s an excellent communicator and uses social media well.”

Salis is also admired for the way she handles sexist comments and criticism, including those about her dancing in Manolo Blahnik heels. Salis responded by saying he supported leftist values ​​but just wanted to dress well.

Bianchi said targeting Salis for his shoes was clearly a sign of the desperation of those trying to overshadow his rising star. “He’s wearing a pair of Blahniks; is that the best they can do? How pathetic.”