“Be free to cast a vote out of conviction, not because you are conditioned. Not even relatives are worth it.” This is the appeal launched by the leader of the 5 Star Movement, Giuseppe Conte, who this afternoon (24 May) stopped in Aversa in support of the Movement’s candidates for the European elections, and of Mauro Baldascino, mayor.
The irony about the delay: “He was eating our products”
Conte’s electoral appointment in Aversa started more than an hour late. But mayoral candidate Mauro Baldascino gives the explanation from the stage: “He was eating our products, our mozzarella, our polonaise.” Supporting him is the leader of the 5 Star Movement himself who underlines: “With great pleasure”. The former prime minister in fact had lunch with the mayoral candidate himself in a historic Aversana pizzeria ‘Da Mimì’, tasting various typical products of the Norman city.
The rally
“We support Baldascino with loyalty and conviction – he said – so that a team of administrators can be established here in Aversa who can listen to the needs of the citizens”. Then on the European elections he launches a jab at the centre-right: “I didn’t commit the foolish act of putting my name on the symbol or running for office despite knowing that I would remain in the Italian parliament”.
Present were the local candidates for the European elections, and several exponents of the 5 Star Movement, such as the deputy Agostino Santillo, the provincial coordinator Giuseppe Buompane, the municipal councilors of Frignano, Cesa and Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Simonelli, Bencivenga, Aveta and Cassandra. Former Speaker of the Chamber Roberto Fico also intervened: “A reckless attack on the South by the government is underway. Since they took office, in a scientific and operational way they have been attacking all the measures that helped the South. We must enter into a mentality of struggle, of combat, what better occasion than the European elections? The first traitor to the homeland is called Giorgia Meloni, far from the people, far from everyone.”
There is also a pro-Palestine banner in the square. Conte’s response from the stage
Also present in Piazza Principe Amedeo were two young people from the social centers who displayed a banner with the words “Friends of Israel out”. Conte responds piquedly to them: “I don’t agree with you. Israel has the right to exist and protect its citizens. Hamas was a shameful terrorist attack, but we equally strongly condemn that government, not Israel. We condemn this cowardly strategy which has killed 35 thousand civilians. This is how politics is done, not one-way. I said it from the first moment, I am ashamed and do not feel represented by a government that abstained from the United Nations Assembly on the truce and that has denied Palestine’s right to be part of the United Nations”.
Baldascino: Conte’s presence is important for our project
“We feel stronger imagining a more just Aversa,” said mayoral candidate Baldascino, underlining the importance of Conte’s presence. “In our program,” he says, “at the center is the strong fight against old and new poverty. All that poverty that is forcing our fellow citizens to experience modern complexity with greater difficulty. The municipality of Aversa is the leader of an area plan, our commitment is limited if at central level we are enemies of the vulnerable and those in need. We must have strong cohesion at a local level but also national sides. His presence here legitimizes this political project.”
The meeting with Anastasia Petrella
Conte’s opportunity in Aversa was also taken by the candidate for mayor of Castel Volturno Anastasia Petrella, who met the former prime minister and leader of the 5 Star Movement. The meeting, which was attended by the Castellan representative of the M5S Mariella Fiorentino and the activists and candidates Roberto Plancqueel and Evelina Melvavi, focused on the future of the Castellan city. “We had a direct discussion, there is respect and she promised her commitment to our city,” said Anastasia Petrella. “Great good luck also to my friend Mauro Baldascino, aspiring mayor of the Norman city. I was with many friends who accompanied me in this meeting, we are receiving more and more consensus and this is an element that makes me dream for the future “.
