The center-left democratic party in Italy is breaking ground in the political world. Elly Schlein, who holds dual citizenship in the United States and Italy has been elected the leader of Italy’s second-largest political party.
On Sunday, February 26, 2023, the vote for the leader of the center-left democratic party came out with a surprising and victorious win. Schlein beat her opponent, Stefano Bonaccini with 54% to 46% of votes. While Bonaccini may be the more experienced politician, Schlein’s resume is impressive.
Before becoming the leader of Italy’s democratic party, she served on both of President Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns. She also served in the European Parliament for five years between 2014 and 2019. After her term, she quickly became a rising star in the Italian political scene. Schlein’s win is a huge victory for women and young people everywhere.
(Photo Credit: Fabio Frustaci/EPA-EFE)
Schlein is the first woman to lead Italy’s democratic party as well as the youngest at age 37. Her win was attributed mainly from the heavy support of the young people and women of Italy. Many favored her strong progressive agenda. During her acceptance speech in Rome, Schlein vowed to “help defend the poor, public schools, and public health.”
"I received a mandate to change people, methods, and vision," she said. "We will put the battle against every type of inequality and precariousness center-stage."
Her progressive agenda has often been compared to US Democratic Party lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She plans to take a stronger stance on same-sex marriage, environmental issues, and the ongoing migrant crisis. Currently, she is considered the strongest opponent against the current right-wing prime minister, Giorgia Meloni.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.