Former Italy PM Renzi calls for party reform, leadership contest / Renzi quits as party leader, triggering leadership battle

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Series Details 13.02.17
Publication Date 13/02/2017
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Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi called on the 13 February 2017 for a leadership contest in his ruling Democratic Party (PD). Mr Renzi continued to be party secretary of PD and there had been internal tensions. It was suggested that Mr Renzi wished to re-establish his full authority over the party.

Renzi wanted the PD to be fully united before the next scheduled elections in Italy in 2018 to face the rise of populism, protectionism, the Five Star Movement and Northern League. Mr Renzi hoped for earlier national elections in June 2017.

However, the Italian parliament would have to agree on a new electoral law before an election could take place.

Subsequently, Mr Renzi resigned as the leader of the Democratic Party on the 19 February 2017, precipitating a leadership battle as the country's ruling party grappled with the threat of a split.

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The Economist, 16.02.17: How to get ahead in Italy. Matteo Renzi plans to quit his job and win it back http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21717056-italys-ex-prime-minister-taking-another-big-bet-matteo-renzi-plans-quit-his-job-and-win-it
Politico, 17.02.17: Renzi’s Democratic Party tries to avoid schism http://www.politico.eu/article/matteo-renzis-democratic-party-tries-to-avoid-schism-italy-leadership-early-elections/
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The Conversation, 23.02.17: Matteo Renzi just killed off Italy’s centre left https://theconversation.com/matteo-renzi-just-killed-off-italys-centre-left-73492

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