(ANSA) - Rome, February 21 - Puglia Governor Michele
Emiliano, one of the leading members of a leftwing minority in
the ruling Democratic Party (PD) that is on the verge of
splitting from the centre-left group, on Tuesday instead said he
was staying in the party and would attend Tuesday's meeting of
the directorate.
The Puglia governor is expected to challenge ex-leader and
former premier Matteo Renzi for the leadership of the party in
upcoming primaries ahead of a party congress.
Emiliano held a rally on Saturday in Rome along with two
other candidates who had announced they would challenge Renzi
for the top job.
But the other two, Tuscany Governor Enrico Rossi and former
House whip Roberto Speranza, have indicated they are probably
going to leave the faction-ridden party instead of taking part
in primaries.
Renzi resigned as PD leader on Sunday to set up a fast track
to the congress after saying he would not give in to "blackmail"
from the leftwing minority.
Emiliano says staying in PD (3)
Expected to challenge Renzi for leadership