In Rome on Thursday 23 November, the centrist Radicali italiani party and the political associations Forza Europa and Movimenta, inspired by the radical movement, officially launched the pro-European +Europa list with the aim of presenting candidates, firstly, in the Italian general election in the first half of 2018 and then in the European elections in spring 2019.
The slightly provocative idea is to “argue, in the national elections, that there is no future for Italy without Europe” and “re-establish a stance in opposition to those who want borders closed”, Alessandro Fusacchia, representing Movimenta told EUROPE. Describing as “the reference” Emmanuel Macron’s presidential campaign in France on the theme of a Europe that protects and creates opportunities, he highlighted the importance of reaffirming a “European sovereignty” so that Europeans may continue to define the rules of the game in their home territory.
The centre-right +Europa list is supported notably by Emma Bonino, former European Commissioner for Consumer Policy, Health and Fisheries between 1995 and 1999.
To be able to take part in the 2018 general election, the +Europa list faces the challenge of gathering signatures of 50,000 electors, including at least 850 in each of the Italian electoral constituencies, with the help of Italians citizens abroad. The problem is that, the later the definition of the constituencies, the shorter the time available to gather signatures, making it more difficult to meet this requirement.
Movimenta is expected to name its contacts in Brussels shortly. For more information, go to: http://www.movimenta.info/ (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)