The Atmosphere at Palazzo d'Accursio in Bologna

by SAVERIO MIGLIARI
The atmosphere at Palazzo d'Accursio is heating up. Just days before the reopening of the meeting, the Democratic Party (PD) finds itself with a new problem: the (highly coveted) position of group leader, currently held by Sergio Lo Giudice, will have to be reassigned. The former president of Arcigay was elected on the PD's list of seven parliamentary candidates and must resign by February 24th. Two names are essentially being circulated around the City Council to replace him: Francesco Critelli, considered the frontrunner, and the expert Claudio Mazzanti, president of the Urban Planning Commission. Consultations have not yet begun (neither within the group nor with the party), and Critelli is still unsure about running and prefers not to intervene. Meanwhile, Claudio Mazzanti, following yesterday's Carlino article revealing the move, is keen to speak out: "To be fair, I didn't say anything, but now I feel forced to," he states decisively. As soon as Lo Giudice steps aside, I will run for the role of group leader, because I believe that no one has the experience I have in the Council." The comparison with Critelli is not obvious, but certainly implicit. A headlong rush that will shake the waters of the Democratic Party, which until now have been calm, at least on the surface. And to those who think that Mazzanti is more of an administrative and less political figure, he himself responds: "No one has the political experience that I have, neither in the group nor perhaps in the Council," he states firmly. "I have been the federal head for urban planning and land use, secretary of the Bolognina Centro club, head of the Navile Union..." The list is long for someone who, since 1975, has frequented political circles in various capacities. Francesco Critelli, certainly younger, has instead distinguished himself in the past for his commitment to the university left, both locally and nationally. In a specifically political role, Critelli was responsible for organizing the city's DS federation. Meanwhile, in the Region, Paola Marani is gaining traction as a possible replacement for Matteo Richetti as president of the Legislative Assembly. However, the former mayor is lagging behind her colleague Anna Pariani, the current deputy group leader. Modena's Palma Costi is also in the running.