Democratic Centre (Italy) Explained

Democratic Centre
Native Name:Centro Democratico
President:Bruno Tabacci
Leader1 Title:Secretary
Leader1 Name:Margherita Rebuffoni
Merger:Rights and Freedom
Part of Alliance for Italy
Headquarters:Via Pierluigi da Palestrina 63, Rome
Ideology:Christian left
Social liberalism
Position:Centre
Seats1 Title:Chamber of Deputies
Seats1: (Into PD–IDP)
Seats2 Title:Senate
Seats3 Title:European Parliament
Seats4 Title:Regional
Councils
Country:Italy

Democratic Centre (Italian: Centro Democratico, CD) is a centrist,[1] Christian leftist[2] [3] [4] and social-liberal political party in Italy. Most of its members, including its leader Bruno Tabacci, are former Christian Democrats. Since its beginnings, the CD has been also part of the centre-left coalition, centred around the Democratic Party (PD).

The CD, along with the Italian Radicals and Forza Europa, was a founding member of More Europe (+E), a liberal party. As such, it was indirectly a member of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party (ALDE Party) at the level of European Union. The CD had formed a partnership with the ALDE Party since the 2014 European Parliament election.

History

Foundation and 2013 general election

The party was launched on 28 December 2012 as an electoral list and immediately joined Italy. Common Good, a centre-left coalition formed to contest the 2013 general election.[5] The CD originally included large chunks of Alliance for Italy (ApI), led by Francesco Rutelli and Bruno Tabacci, and Rights and Freedom (DL), a breakaway group from Italy of Values (IdV) led by Massimo Donadi.[6] [7] Regarding ApI, most leading members and incumbent MPs of the party joined the CD,[8] [9] with Tabacci as their leader, while Rutelli chose not to be a candidate[10] and retired from active politics.

Tabacci participated in the 2012 centre-left primary election, where he obtained only 1.4% of the vote. After his defeat, Tabacci supported the winner Pier Luigi Bersani of the Democratic Party (PD). In the general election the CD gained 0.5% of the vote both for the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate,[11] returning six deputies (Franco Bruno, Roberto Capelli, Anielo Formisano, Carmelo Lo Monte, Pino Pisicchio and Tabacci).[12] In the event, the party was stronger in Basilicata (4.4%),[13] Calabria (2.0%),[14] and Apulia (1.5%).[15] In the subsequent Basilicata regional election the CD–United Populars joint list,[16] won 5.0% of the vote[16] and ex-IdV Nicola Benedetto[17] was re-elected to the Regional Council.[18]

2014 EP election, alliances and splits

For the 2014 European Parliament election the CD formed, along with Civic Choice (SC) and Act to Stop the Decline (FFD), European Choice (SE), an electoral list in support of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party, including also the Italian Liberal Party (PLI), the Italian Republican Party (PRI), Liberal Democratic Alliance for Italy (ALI), the Conservatives and Social Reformers (CSR), the European Federalist Party (PFE) and miscellaneous minor movements.[19] [20] [21] The list, whose top candidate in the South was Tabacci,[22] received just 0.7% of the vote and failed to return any MEPs.[23]

In June 2014 Pisicchio, the party's vice president, left over disagreements with Tabacci.[24] [25] [26] In October also the other vice president, Formisano, left the CD and returned to IdV.[27] As of late 2014, of the six deputies elected by the CD in 2013 only two (Tabacci and Capelli) were still active in the party (Bruno remained loyal to ApI all the way and never joined the CD, while Lo Monte ended up in the Italian Socialist Party).

In November 2014 the CD formed a joint group with Solidary Democracy (DemoS),[28] an alike outfit formed by splinters from SC and later the Populars for Italy (PpI), led by Lorenzo Dellai and Andrea Olivero.[29] Earlier that year, the party had locally formed various centrist alliances with DemoS,[30] [31] SC,[32] [33] the Union of the Centre (UdC)[34] [35] and/or Reality Italy[36] for the 2014 and 2015 regional elections (two regional councillors were elected in Campania).

In late 2015 Domenico Rossi, a retired general, deputy (SC and PpI) and undersecretary of Defence (Renzi Cabinet and later Gentiloni Cabinet), joined the CD. In January 2017 Mario Catania, a former minister of Agriculture, member of the UdC and later of SC, became the party's fourth deputy.[37] [38] [39]

In the 2017 local elections the party fielded lists in a few places, obtaining distinctive results in Torre Annunziata, Campania (12.7%)[40] and Paola, Calabria (4.6%).[41]

More Europe and 2018 general election

In January 2018 the CD joined More Europe (+E), a liberal electoral list previously formed by the Italian Radicals and Forza Europa, seeking to be part of the centre-left coalition in the upcoming 2018 general election.[42] [43] [44] The decision, taken for technical reasons, was a departure form the CD's alliance with DemoS. The list won 2.6% of the vote in the election, falling short of the 3% threshold, but Tabacci was re-elected to the Chamber in a single-seat constituency in Milan.

In January 2019, the party elected Roberto Capelli as its secretary[45] and participated in the establishment of +E as a party.[46]

In September 2019, +E decided not to support the newly formed Conte II Cabinet, despite opposition by Tabacci and the party's two other deputies.[47] [48] The three voted in favour in the Chamber, while Emma Bonino against in the Senate.[49] Consequently, Tabacci led his CD out of +E.[50] [51] [52] [53]

In January 2020, Margherita Rebuffoni replaced Capelli as secretary,[54] while Sanza continued as vice president.

In November 2021, Tabacci formed a joint sub-group in the Mixed Group of the Chamber along with other three deputies, two of whom elected by Italians abroad. The sub-group was consequently named "Democratic Centre–Italians in Europe".[55] The sub-group was later joined by several independent deputies and, at its height, it included 15 members, mostly former members of the Five Star Movement. The CD was also instrumental in the formation of a new group in the Senate named Europeanists, whose complete name was Europeanists–MAIE–Democratic Centre,[56] and senator Gregorio de Falco briefly joined the party.[57] In June 2022, the CD sponsored the formation of the senatorial group of Luigi Di Maio's Together for the Future.[58]

Electoral results

Italian Parliament

Chamber of Deputies
ElectionVotes% Seats+/–LeaderGovernment
2013167,170 (#11)0.49Bruno Tabacci
20182.55 5Bruno Tabacci
Senate of the Republic
width=13%Election yearwidth=16%Voteswidth=6%% width=1%Seatswidth=8%+/–width=18%Leader
2013163,427 (#11)0.53Bruno Tabacci
20182.36Bruno Tabacci

European Parliament

European Parliament
width=13%Election yearwidth=16%Voteswidth=6%% width=1%Seatswidth=8%+/–width=18%Leader
20140.72Bruno Tabacci

Regional Councils

RegionLast election
  1. of
    overall votes
% of
overall vote
  1. of
    overall seats won
+/–
Aosta Valley2018
Piedmont201934.993 (with More Europe)1.82 (#9) (with More Europe)
Lombardy2018108,745 (#8) (with More Europe)2.07 (with More Europe)
South Tyrol2018
Trentino2018
Veneto2015
Friuli-Venezia Giulia2018
Emilia-Romagna2020(with Bonaccini List)(with Bonaccini List)
Liguria2015
Tuscany2015
Marche2015into UdCinto UdC
Umbria2019
Lazio20th48,748 (#12)1.7 1
Abruzzo201416,962 (#10)2.5 1
Molise2013
Campania201562,975 (#9) (with SC)2.8 (with SC) 1
Apulia201599,021 (#8) (with UdC and RI)6.2 (with UdC and RI)
Basilicata201311,938 (#9)5.1
Calabria201426,831 (#11)3.4
Sicily2017
Sardinia201414,451 (#14)2.1 2

Leadership

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Italy. Parties and Elections in Europe. Wolfram. Nordsieck. 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327123459/http://parties-and-elections.eu/italy.html. 27 March 2019. 2 April 2019. live.
  2. Web site: Bruno Tabacci, l'eroe radical-democristiano che ha salvato +Europa. Formiche.net. 5 January 2018.
  3. News: Francesco Boezi. La "conversione" di Bruno Tabacci, così "sposa" la Bonino. il Giornale. 5 January 2018.
  4. News: Pietrangelo Buttafuoco. Nemmeno i radicali sono immuni allo "Scudo crociato". Il Foglio. 5 January 2018.
  5. Web site: "Centro Democratico", la lista di Tabacci - Il Post . Ilpost.it . 28 December 2012 . 18 July 2014.
  6. Web site: Donadi e Tabacci lanciano Centro democratico: siamo con Bersani - Il Messaggero . Ilmessaggero.it . 16 June 2014 . 18 July 2014 . 14 July 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714200530/http://www.ilmessaggero.it/primopiano/politica/centro_democratico_donadi_tabacci/notizie/240924.shtml . dead .
  7. Web site: POLITICA - Napoli - Formisano e Pisicchio aderiscono a nuova iniziativa politica "Centro Democratico" . Casertanews.it . 18 July 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714152835/http://www.casertanews.it/public/articoli/2012/12/22/054923_politica-napoli-formisano-pisicchio-aderiscono-nuova-iniziativa-politica-centro-democratico.htm# . 14 July 2014 . dead .
  8. Web site: Archived copy . 8 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130228121734/http://www.ilcentrodemocratico.it/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/CDListaCamera2013.pdf# . 28 February 2013 . dead .
  9. Web site: Archived copy . 8 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130228121843/http://www.ilcentrodemocratico.it/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/CDListaSenato2013.pdf# . 28 February 2013 . dead .
  10. Web site: Archivio Corriere della Sera. archiviostorico.corriere.it. 16 October 2017.
  11. Web site:

    Ministero dell'Interno ::: Archivio Storico delle Elezioni - Senato del 24 Febbraio 2013

    . elezionistorico.interno.it. 16 October 2017.
  12. Web site:

    Ministero dell'Interno ::: Archivio Storico delle Elezioni - Camera del 24 Febbraio 2013

    . elezionistorico.interno.it. 16 October 2017.
  13. Web site:

    Ministero dell'Interno ::: Archivio Storico delle Elezioni - Senato del 24 Febbraio 2013

    . elezionistorico.interno.it. 16 October 2017.
  14. Web site:

    Ministero dell'Interno ::: Archivio Storico delle Elezioni - Senato del 24 Febbraio 2013

    . elezionistorico.interno.it. 16 October 2017.
  15. Web site:

    Ministero dell'Interno ::: Archivio Storico delle Elezioni - Senato del 24 Febbraio 2013

    . elezionistorico.interno.it. 16 October 2017.
  16. Web site: Elezioni del 25 maggio 2014 - Ministero dell'Interno . Elezioni.interno.it . 18 July 2014 . 3 December 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131203210000/http://elezioni.interno.it/regionali/scrutini/20131117/R17.htm . dead .
  17. Web site: Biografia . Nicolabenedetto.it . 18 July 2014 . 24 January 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130124011025/http://www.nicolabenedetto.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=27 . dead .
  18. Web site: Elezioni Basilicata consiglieri regionali eletti nessuna donna eletta . 19 November 2013 . Termometropolitico.it . 18 July 2014.
  19. Web site: Scelta europea: "An alternative to People's Party – Socialists alliance in power in Berlin" | Eunews.it. eunews.it. 6 March 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140509082824/http://www.eunews.it/en/2014/03/04/scelta-europea-an-alternative-to-peoples-party-socialists-alliance-in-power-in-berlin/13128. 9 May 2014. dead.
  20. Web site: L'impegno di SC e dei movimenti liberal-democratici per le elezioni europee | Scelta Civica per l'Italia. sceltacivica.it. 6 March 2014. 6 March 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140306172808/http://www.sceltacivica.it/doc/1350/limpegno-di-sc-e-dei-movimenti-liberal-democratici-per-le-elezioni-europee.htm. dead.
  21. Web site: Verhofstadt launches #EP2014 list 'Scelta Europea' in Italy | ALDE Party. aldeparty.eu. 30 March 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140310153223/http://www.aldeparty.eu/en/news/verhofstadt-launches-ep2014-list-scelta-europea-italy. 10 March 2014. dead.
  22. Web site: Liste e candidati - Italia Meridionale - Elezioni Europee - 25 maggio 2014. la Repubblica.it.
  23. Web site: Dipartimento per gli Affari Interni e Territoriali. elezionistorico.interno.gov.it.
  24. Web site: La Stampa - Tabacci: "Pisicchio è fuori dal Centro Democratico" . Lastampa.it . 26 June 2014 . 18 July 2014 . 16 October 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141016155043/http://www.lastampa.it/2014/06/26/tabacci-pisicchio-fuori-dal-centro-democratico-lZWiaGgaCPXZUXqtwTKH4L/pagina.html . dead .
  25. Web site: Pierangela scrive . L'On. Pino Pisicchio defenestrato, finisce una dinasty potentissima – Il quotidiano italiano . Ilquotidianoitaliano.it . 18 July 2014.
  26. Web site: Pisicchio, esperienza Centro Democratico chiusa alle europee (26 giu 2014) - ilVelino/AGV NEWS . Ilvelino.it . 26 June 2014 . 18 July 2014.
  27. Web site: La nuova Italia dei Valori e il ritorno nell'IDV di Aniello Formisano. Radio. Radicale. 30 October 2014. Radioradicale.it. 16 October 2017.
  28. Web site: Camera.it - XVII Legislatura - Deputati e Organi Parlamentari - Composizione gruppi Parlamentari. Camera.it. 16 October 2017.
  29. Web site: Centro: Nasce 'Demo.S-Democrazia Solidale', Dellai-Olivero tra promotori . 13 January 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100048/http://www.askanews.it/politica/centro-nasce--demos-democrazia-solidale--dellai-olivero-tra-promotori_711458411.htm# . 4 March 2016 . dead .
  30. Web site: Autenticazione - Il portale della Regione Emilia-Romagna. Regione.emilia-romagna.it. 16 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040959/http://www.regione.emilia-romagna.it/elezioni/risorse/simboli/democrazia-solidale/view. 4 March 2016. dead.
  31. Web site: Regionali Emilia-Romagna, riammessa la lista del Centro Democratico - il Resto del Carlino. il Resto del. Carlino. 27 October 2014. Ilrestodelcarlino.it. 16 October 2017.
  32. Web site: Presentate le liste di Scelta Civica-Centro democratico in Campania per le elezioni regionali - Scelta Civica. Sceltacivica.it. 16 October 2017. 17 August 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160817001705/http://www.sceltacivica.it/doc/1747/presentate-le-liste-di-scelta-civica-centro-democratico-in-campania-per-le-elezioni-regionali-del-prossimo-31-maggio.htm. dead.
  33. Web site: Regionali - Centro Democratico e Scelta Civica presentano i candidati - Irpinianews.it. 5 May 2015. Irpinianews.it. 16 October 2017.
  34. Web site: Udc, Centro Democratico e Realtà Italia: tutti insieme per Emiliano - pugliain.net. Redazione. 19 March 2015. Pugliain.net. 16 October 2017.
  35. Web site: Lista popolari con Emiliano. Presentato il simbolo . 13 January 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304235736/http://www.elezioniregionepuglia.it/lista-popolari-con-emiliano-presentato-il-simbolo/# . 4 March 2016 . dead .
  36. Web site: 'Patto' Centro democratico-Realtà Italia - Basilicata. 2 April 2015. Ansa.it. 16 October 2017.
  37. Web site: PERCHÉ HO ADERITO AL GRUPPO DEMOCRAZIA SOLIDALE - CENTRO DEMOCRATICO. Mariocatania.eu. 16 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171016230109/http://www.mariocatania.eu/post/94/perch-ho-aderito-al-gruppo-democrazia-solidale-centro-democratico.html. 16 October 2017. dead.
  38. Web site: Camera: Mario Catania (CI), aderisco a Ds-Cd. 26 January 2017. Ilcentrodemocratico.it. 16 October 2017.
  39. Web site: Camera: Catania, in Democrazia solidale-Cd per sostenere cultura progressista. Sardegnaoggi.it. 16 October 2017.
  40. Web site: Comune di Torre Annunziata - Campania - Elezioni Comunali Italia - Risultati - 11-25 giugno 2017 . Repubblica.it. 16 October 2017.
  41. Web site: Comune di Paola - Calabria - Elezioni Comunali Italia - Risultati - 11-25 giugno 2017 . Repubblica.it. 16 October 2017.
  42. Web site: Tabacci "salva" la lista di Bonino: "+Europa ci sarà". Claudio. Bozza. 1 April 2018. Corriere della Sera.
  43. Web site: Elezioni, Tabacci salva la lista di Emma Bonino: "Niente firme, il 4 marzo ci saremo" - La Stampa. 4 January 2018. lastampa.it.
  44. Web site: Rosatellum, Tabacci: "Esenzione simbolo Centro Democratico a disposizione per lista Bonino". 4 January 2018. Repubblica.it.
  45. Web site: Roberto Capelli eletto Segretario Nazionale di Centro Democratico. 15 January 2019.
  46. Web site: +Europa: è testa a testa tra Cappato e Della Vedova. Alessandro. Trocino. 27 January 2019. Corriere della Sera.
  47. Web site: Direzione Più Europa: "Opposizione costruttiva europeista al Conte bis". 2 September 2019. +Europa.
  48. Web site: +Europa si spacca sul Conte bis. Adnkronos. 14 December 2020.
  49. Web site: Gli interventi dei deputati di Più Europa in occasione della fiducia al Conte Bis. 11 September 2019. +Europa.
  50. Web site: +Europa si spacca, Tabacci rompe con Bonino. Adnkronos. 14 December 2020.
  51. Web site: Tabacci spacca +Europa: "Emma Bonino ha scelto l'opposizione a Conte con i nemici dell'Ue. Un incomprensibile suicidio". 27 September 2019. Il Fatto Quotidiano.
  52. Web site: +Europa è finita ora tolgo il nostro simbolo, la decisione è irrevocabile. 27 September 2019.
  53. Web site: Centro Democratico, inaccettabile scelta opposizione. 27 September 2019.
  54. Web site: Centro democratico Capelli si dimette. 14 January 2020. La Nuova Sardegna.
  55. Web site: E' nelle file del Misto che si gioca il futuro del governo: le grandi manovre per sfilare senatori a Conte. Tiscali Notizie.
  56. Web site: Senato.it - notizie - Nuovo gruppo parlamentare Europeisti-MAIE-Centro democratico.
  57. Web site: Governo: Senatore de Falco chiede di aderire a Cd di Tabacci - Ultima Ora. 26 January 2021.
  58. Web site: Senato:nuovo gruppo Insieme per il futuro-Centro democratico - Ultima Ora . 30 June 2022 .