Schlein new PD boss in Italy: The outsider has prevailed

In Italy, the largest opposition party has elected a new leader. In a grassroots vote, the party left Schlein surprisingly prevailed. She won against Bonaccini, who was considered the favourite.

The result is a surprise. Elly Schlein entered the inner-party election campaign as an outsider. The member of parliament had only rejoined the social democratic PD a few months ago and had advocated a turn to the left.

Schlein left the party in 2015 to protest against the course of the then party leader and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and joined a left-wing splinter group. She had previously made a name for herself as a grassroots rebel occupying party offices across the country. The daughter of an American professor and an Italian professor was born in Switzerland.

Schlein wants real renewal

Last night Schlein promised a course of genuine renewal of the Social Democratic PD. Her opponent Stefano Bonaccini had previously admitted his defeat. When the members voted two weeks ago, the president of the Emilia Romagna region was still in the lead. According to preliminary figures, Schlein won the decisive basic vote, in which non-members could participate, with 54 to 46 percent.

The PD is the largest opposition party in Italy, making Schlein the first challenger to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The head of government congratulated the new opposition leader on her success.