Centre-left leaders rally at Manifesto event, reject centrist compromise and vow unity against the government

Elly Schlein took the stage at the Manifesto celebration to argue that the centre-left cannot win by chasing a moderate, “big-tent” candidate, citing two decades of missed opportunities. Giuseppe Conte, speaking after Schlein, affirmed backing for Kyiv but avoided the term “military,” urging a rapid conclusion of a joint policy platform within weeks. Angelo Bonelli echoed Schlein’s call for unity, while Riccardo Magi offered “Ikea-style” instructions for building a coalition table.

Nicola Fratoianni signalled openness to primaries if other solutions fail, and the M5S leader stressed he would not overturn the process even if he lost a primary. The gathering concluded with a staged “distance” farewell between Schlein and Conte, both claiming a cold. Throughout, the participants presented a united front aimed at preventing one outlet government from completing a full term.