An Italian-American citizen who cut her political organizing teeth on two Barack Obama campaigns is taking Italy's political world by storm.
In this photo taken on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, Elly Schlein walks on a street after an interview with the Associated Press in downtown Bologna, Italy. A dual U.S.-Italian citizen who cut her political organizing teeth on two Barack Obama campaigns is emerging as the latest rising star in Italian politics.
That left-wing political front — also embodied by the grassroots protest movement Sardines — thwarted right-wing populist Matteo Salvini’s attempt to unseat the center-left regional government in the left's historic stronghold of Emilia-Romagna. The loss in the Jan. 26 regional vote also delayed Salvini's ambition to re-take power in Italy's national government.
During a recent interview walking through Bologna’s famed porticoes, she was stopped multiple times. One passer-by praised her as"a marvel" and declared her the next leader of the Italy’s left. Another lobbied her to stop plans to route a tram through the city center — and then acknowledged she hadn’t gotten his vote because he hadn’t heard of her, just four days previously.Her success could give her leverage to ask for a key role in regional politics.
Schlein’s goal is to help create a “political home” for the many in Italy who feel disaffected as liberal, left-wing forces have splintered into more than half a dozen parties, including the Democratic Party, with similar ideals but divided by political personalities. She also aims to unite popular movements that are growing in strength in Italian piazzas, including the Fridays for Future environmental protests, movements to welcome foreigners and reinvigorated pro-LGBT and union demonstrations.
Schlein put together her civic list ‘’Emilia-Romagna-Courageous’’ in November, at the same moment that the Sardines launched their campaign in Bologna against Salvini’s anti-foreigner, anti-institutional rhetoric. The timing was coincidental, and their projects remain separate even if they shared a vision to counter the decisive rhetoric coming from Salvini, who campaigned hard for his populist League candidate in the region.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How to Make Parsley Egg Noodles, According to Pasta GranniesItalian nonnas and their pasta recipes are the subject of writer Vicky Bennison’s video series and new book Pasta Grannies: The Secrets of Italy’s Best…
Read more »
In sickness and in health, but not in debt: Young Americans avoid 'I do' until student loans are paid offMore young Americans are postponing marriage to pay off student loans, according to a new study.
Read more »
Why My Dark Vanessa Is the New Book Everyone’s Angry AboutAnother book has people arguing about identity and ownership in fiction—only this time it involves MeToo.
Read more »
Daddy Yankee, Sech Swear Off Exes in New Song 'Definitivamente'Reggaeton stars Daddy Yankee and Sech issue a frosty kiss-off in new song, 'Definitivamente'
Read more »
Brielle Biermann Shows Off New Hair and Lips in Total Transformation!The 'Don't Be Tardy' star showed off the new look on Instagram.
Read more »