(ANSA) - Rome, February 22 - Ex-premier Matteo Renzi said
Wednesday that he was concentrating on preparing for the future
after a left-wing minority within his Democratic Party (PD)
broke away due to differences with him.
Former PD leader Pier Luigi Bersani and his allies said
Tuesday that they were quitting the PD after Renzi refused to
make a series of concessions to them and moved ahead with
triggering a congress where he aims to be re-elected as party
chief with a renewed mandate.
"While the Italian political class rows about everything, or
almost, after the (December Constitutional) referendum, the
world outside continues to run," Renzi, who is on a fact-finding
trip to the United States about growth and job creation, wrote
on his blog.
"I decided to get away for a few hours while the PD writes
the rules for the congress and devote myself to some quality
encounters in California.
"Sooner or later, the future will come back.
"So let's make sure we are ready: instead of arguing about
nothing, let's try to learn from those who are constructing
tomorrow before the others".
Renzi resigned as premier in December after almost three
years in office following the rejection of his flagship
Constitutional reform in a referendum.
Several prominent members of the left-wing PD minority
campaigned for a No vote in the referendum.
Renzi's place was taken by former foreign minister Gentiloni,
also a PD member.
Renzi says looking to future
Ex-premier's Democratic Party has split, left-wingers leave