Justice Minister Andrea Orlando on
Tuesday accused Democratic Party (PD) leadership rival Matteo
Renzi of not wanting more TV debates other than a scheduled
forum on Sky TV ahead of the April 30 primaries.
Orlando is lagging behind former PD leader and ex-premier
Renzi in the polls with the third candidate, Puglia Governor
Michele Emiliano, a long way back.
"The primary campaign is under-the-radar and that is a
mistake, if fewer voters vote than last time (in 2013), it will
be a negative sign for the PD," Orlando told reporters on a
campaign stop.
"In order to focus people's attention we could hold more TV
debates but for the moment that is not possible because of
Renzi's unwillingness," said Orlando.
The primaries are open to all voters who are prepared to pay
a small fee, and not just PD members.
Opinion polls have detected less interest in the primaries
this time, partly because Renzi is seen as a shoo-in to regain
his PD leadership post ahead of a tilt at returning to the
premier's office in elections expected early next year.
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