Ruffini Launches “Più Uno” Initiative, Seeks to Redefine Italian Center-Left
A new political force is emerging in Italy, aiming to revitalize the center-left and address growing voter apathy. Former Director of the Revenue Agency, ernesto Maria Ruffini, unveiled his “Più Uno” committees this week, proposing a broadened alliance that moves beyond the customary confines of existing parties and reconnects with disillusioned citizens.
Ruffini’s initiative comes at a time when many Italians feel abandoned by the political establishment, believing it has lost sight of the common good.He argues that the current right-wing opposition capitalizes on fear, appealing to emotion rather than reason. The project’s focus, while rooted in the center-left, explicitly rejects the current iteration of that political space.
The inaugural assembly, held in Rome, saw Ruffini sharply criticize both the right and the “campo largo” (broad camp) parties for embracing a polarized political landscape, catering solely to thier base and failing to recognize the dangers of allowing politics to be “held hostage by their respective fanbases,” a situation he believes guarantees victory for the right.
A poignant moment during the assembly involved ruffini pausing his speech to photograph the audience, intending to share the image with former Prime Minister Giuliano Amato. This gesture underscored Ruffini’s vision – mirroring Prodi’s strategy – of rediscovering the foundational principles of the Italian Constitution through a synthesis of diverse political forces. A projected image of Aldo Moro and Enrico Berlinguer shaking hands served as a powerful symbol of national solidarity.
Rather than a detailed policy platform, Ruffini presented a core set of priorities centered around two constitutional principles: “Equality” and “the individual.” He highlighted critical issues such as access to healthcare for the poor and elderly,environmental protection,revitalizing the European project,and addressing youth unemployment – all requiring a essential shift in political approach. “Our objective isn’t to govern, but to pursue the common good,” Ruffini declared.
This necessitates a departure from the existing “campo largo” model, with its limitations mirroring those of established parties. Instead, Ruffini envisions an “open field” designed to re-engage non-voters. Abstention, he argues, is the primary adversary, stemming from a deep sense of betrayal and disillusionment. He called for a new center-left capable of patiently forging consensus among disparate ideologies. He cautioned against seeking a centrist party merely as a “crutch,” warning that such an approach would render it subservient to larger interests. Ruffini was especially critical of the Democratic Party (PD), asserting it cannot outsource the task of representing reformism to an external entity.
The triumphant mayoral election of Zohran Mamdani in New York City, characterized by high voter turnout, was cited as a positive example of civic engagement.In contrast, Ruffini lamented the decline of primary elections in Italy, which he believes have become tools for leaders seeking self-serving plebiscites rather than genuine democratic participation. He described the PD as exhibiting a “minority vocation.”
The assembly drew a diverse range of political figures, including former Minister Vincenzo Spadafora (formerly of the Five Star Movement), PD Vice President Chiara Gribaudo, and prominent figures from the Christian Democratic tradition like Silvia Costa and Nicodemo Oliverio. Also in attendance were Emiliano Manfredonia, President of ACLI, Bruno tabacci, Massimo La Pira, President of the La pira Association, and Antonio Russo, spokesperson for the Alliance Against Poverty. Manfredonia voiced support for the inclusive and dialogic nature of the project, stating, “Più Uno, while current politics seems to aim for ‘less one.'”
Looking ahead, Ruffini indicated a timeline focused on the 2027 general election, when the initiative will aim to challenge Giorgia Meloni’s government. “Let’s make an appointment in the spring,” Ruffini concluded, “to decide together how to move forward with this project of change and governance for the country and for Europe.”
