Overview

• Elly Schlein announced that outgoing governor Michele Emiliano will not run for the regional council and thanked him for stepping back.
• Schlein presented Antonio Decaro as the centre-left’s most competitive candidate for the Puglia race.
• The coalition had been stuck after Decaro conditioned his bid on excluding Emiliano and former governor Nichi Vendola from the lists.
• Avs welcomed Decaro’s candidacy but rejected any veto on Vendola, reiterating that his presence must be allowed.
• Negotiations with Avs leader Nicola Fratoianni are ongoing, with reporting indicating possible trade-offs such as municipal endorsements and future regional posts to secure a deal.