How a political 'scrapper' built a new party from the ashes of the left
In short: In 2019, Matteo Renzi—the man known as 'the Scrapper'—did the unthinkable. After years of leading the Democratic Party, he launched Italia Viva, a liberal splinter group that would become a decisive kingmaker in Italian politics, proving that even the most established coalitions can be dismantled from within.
The origins of Italia Viva lie in the friction between Matteo Renzi and the leadership of the Democratic Party (PD). Renzi, a former Prime Minister who rose to prominence as a modernizing force, had a long history of challenging party orthodoxy. Following the PD's poor performance in the 2018 general election and a shift in leadership toward the social democrat Nicola Zingaretti, Renzi officially launched his new party on September 16, 2019, via a late-night television appearance.
The party's formation was not merely a sudden impulse; evidence suggests careful preparation. Digital footprints show that the domains 'italiaviva.eu' and 'italia\'org' were registered as early as August 9, 2019. While some critics, including Beppe Grillo, labeled the move as 'an act of narcissism,' Renzi positioned the party as a liberal, pro-Europeanist alternative. The party's identity was even shaped by its supporters, who voted online to select a stylized seagull as its official logo.
Since its inception, Italia Viva has acted as a political pivot point. In January 2021, the party's withdrawal of support for the Conte II government triggered a significant political crisis. However, the party remained instrumental in the subsequent formation of Mario Draghi's government. By 2025, Renzi expanded his influence further by launching 'Reformist House,' a political umbrella intended to balance the centre-left coalition. Despite internal shifts and high-profile departures, the party continues to navigate the complex landscape of Italian centrist politics, often aligning with broader European liberal movements.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Italia Viva
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