De Luca’s hard-line security stance fuels split in Italy’s centre-left ahead of primaries

A security controversy erupted after Vincenzo De Luca lauded the use of police batons and called for immediate repression of violent demonstrators. The remark reopened a fissure within the centre-left, spanning from Milan’s mayor Beppe Sala, who favours a modest army contingent, to Pierfrancesco Majorino, who dismisses the proposal. The Democratic Party and the Avs bloc have offered muted or negative responses, while Fratelli d’Italia defended De Luca’s approach.

Former prime minister Matteo Renzi publicly supported De Luca, even suggesting his presence in the interior ministry would enhance safety. Political analysts warn that this disagreement may erode centre-left support in the forthcoming primary contest, as voters react to the parties’ divergent security policies.