Since launching DiEM25 in 2016, we have been saying that a morally and financially bankrupt establishment intent on safeguarding an unjust system would achieve only one result: the growth of a nationalist and xenophobic wave across the continent.
The serious political events now taking place in Italy show, like at no other time, that there is an urgent need for a third option beyond the polarisation between nationalist populism and the undisputed domination of finance.
On this basis, we are now opening a public discussion with all our members on the prospects of DiEM25 in case of early elections in Italy. This discussion will lead to an all member vote that will decide the position of the whole movement.
The Coordinating Collective (CC) and the Italian National Collective (NC) met and shared three options for action in the event of early elections in Italy immediately after the summer:
A) We compete in the Italian elections, but only in the European constituency (outside Italy)
Italian electoral law provides for the vote of Italians abroad in a separate college, in which it is possible to compete without necessarily applying in Italy. This would present an extraordinary opportunity for DiEM25 to set up the first truly large transnational political campaign. We would involve all our members, of whatever nationality, in collecting signatures and in convincing Italians abroad to support us. Finally, it would be a good general test for the 2019 European campaign.
B) We compete fully in the Italian elections
For several months DiEM25 has been working on building a wider lineup in Italy, with an eye on municipal entities. This deployment is not yet ready. However, we think it possible to express opinions on the possibility of opening candidacies for the national level if there were the right conditions, with a final decision to be taken once the framework of the political offer has been clarified.
C) We don’t compete in the Italian elections
In this case we would evaluate whether to support any of the existing parties.
The Coordinating Collective and the Italian National Collective have positively evaluated the first two options, while noting the need for more information for option B. More scepticism has instead been given to option C, since it would entail an abdication of our responsibility as a pro-European anti-establishment force at such an important time for Europe.
To take part in the debate, follow this link to the open discussion in our forum.
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