A big row has erupted within the
opposition, centre-left Democratic Party (PD) after leader Elly
Schlein said she will stand as a candidate in June's European
elections.
Schlein will be the lead candidate in the central Italy and
Italian islands constituencies, so her name is set to appear on
the party symbol and posters.
The logic is that her profile will attract voters, although she
has no intention of actually taking up her seat in the European
Parliament, but will forego it and continue to lead the party in
Italy and represent it in the Italian Lower House.
Former European Commission President and ex-centre-left premier
Romani Prodi was among the figures to criticise the decision,
saying it was an "injury" to democracy.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
