Messina: there is the candidate, but the Pd is divided

Bringing home the result. But at what cost? After the heated provincial direction that led to the candidacy, within the Democratic Party, of Antonella Russo for the position of mayor, the party remains divided. A clear rift, represented by a vote that expresses a discontent that simmers and manifests in the need to take a clear stance. No abstentions. The Democratic direction speaks out in full. And it is a strong political signal.

“We are happy to have expressed our candidate, whom we will support; I personally will run for the city council – explains Alessandro Russo, whose willingness to run for mayor has been on the table since early February – but there are considerations to be made. What has happened is a tangible sign of a problem within the political direction of the party.”

“This – Russo states – should have been avoided, yet no effort was made in this regard. Now we await the secretary to report to the provincial direction to explain why.”

“The candidacy of Antonella Russo – declared Armando Hyerace, provincial secretary of the PD – is a thoughtful choice, developed within a party that makes internal debate its method. This confrontation has also highlighted divisions that we do not deny and do not hide. They are expressions of the different sensitivities present in the party and accompany every democratic process until a decision is made. From that point on, they become common choices, which we all support with loyalty.”

The official candidacy of Antonella Russo will be confirmed by the Palermo center-left table.

“I welcome with gratitude and a sense of responsibility the Democratic Party's choice to put my name forward at the coalition table for the upcoming municipal elections,” said the lawyer, city councilor, and member of the regional party secretariat. “In these years, I have carried out my role with seriousness, intellectual honesty, and respect for institutions. It is the same commitment that I renew today, making myself available with conviction and a sense of service.” Supporting Russo's candidacy is also Controcorrente, which remains within the coalition and will likely present a joint list with the Five Star Movement in the city council.