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Analysis of the electoral campaign 5 weeks before the elections: Authors : Silvia Bolgherini (Federico II University, Naples) and Corinne Deloy

Election Date: 6th and 7th June (provincial and local by-elections on those days) Number of MEPs to be elected: 72

The creation of the People's Freedom Party (PdL) after the merger of 's Forza Italia with the National Alliance (AN) led by has been the main event in Italian political life over the last few weeks. "The birth of the People's Freedom Party is a positive thing for Italy. It simplifies the national political framework and brings us out of a period of confusion and dispute," stressed opposition leader and chair of the Democratic Party (PD) Dario Franceschini. Silvio Berlusconi will be lead candidate on each of the lists put forward by his party. He hopes to win 51% of the vote nationally. The Democratic Party (PD) is protesting against this decision which it considers illegal. "He is the only Head of Government in the world who in the next few months, instead of working day and night to settle family and company issues, will be undertaking an electoral campaign," declared Dario Franceschini. The main opposition party is protesting against the candidature of any regional or local representative and even anyone who is under prosecution for any type of crime. The Democratic Party will present lists with equal numbers of men and women. MPs (and some candidates) of the Democratic Party founded in April 2007, are specific in that they are spread amongst two groups in the European Parliament: the members of the former Daisy party belong to the Alliance of Democrats and Liberals of Europe (ALDE) whilst the members of the former Left Democrats (DS) belong the Party of European Socialists (PES). The Democratic Party has also said that it would not join the latter party after the elections. The Northern League (LN), Silvio Berlusconi's main ally in government is however undertaking a separate campaign in the European election. "From now on and until the European elections we are rivals," declared the Northern League leader, . The Movement for Autonomy (MPA) founded in 2005 by Raffaelo Lombardo, previously allied to the People's Freedom Party decided to run with (D), Francesco Storace's party, in these European elections. Philosopher Gianni Vattimo joined the Italy of Values list (IDV) led by Antonio di Pietro. Just two months before the election the campaign has not really started in Italy where for the last few weeks news items have been mostly focused on the earthquake that happened on 6th April in the Abruzzo region. Polls grant an easy lead to the People's Freedom Party, credited with 52% of the vote and 30% to the Democratic Party.