How a small electoral list transformed into a unified Italian political party
In short: In the 2022 Italian general election, the Us Moderates group captured less than 1% of the vote. Yet, through a series of strategic mergers, splits, and high-profile arrivals, this centrist movement has steadily reshaped itself into a significant player within the country's centre-right coalition.
Originally launched as a joint electoral list for the 2022 elections, Us Moderates (Noi moderati) began as a collection of four distinct groups: Us with Italy, Italy in the Centre, the Union of the Centre, and Coraggio Italia. While its initial parliamentary presence was modest—securing just 0.9% of the vote with seven deputies and two senators—the group's structure was highly fluid. By May 2023, the movement transitioned into a single, unified party, a move that triggered the departure of the UdC and Coraggio Italia.
The party's leadership has seen significant turnover and realignment. Maurizio Lupi, formerly of Us with Italy, emerged as the party's leader and president. The party's national council has also seen shifts, with Giovanni Toti serving as president from 2023 until 2025, when he was succeeded by Ilaria Cavo. The movement has also attracted figures from the centre-left, such as Ignazio Messina of Italy of Values, who joined as spokesperson in early 2024.
As the party expanded, it sought deeper integration within European politics. After running alongside Forza Italia in the 2024 European Parliament elections—achieving 9.6% of the vote despite failing to win seats—the party underwent a symbolic rebranding in November 2024, adding 'Populars for Europe' to its name. This period of growth culminated in official admission into the European People's Party in January 2025. Despite these structural shifts, the party's regional performance remains varied, ranging from a high of 7.5% in Molise in 2023 to much lower figures in regions like Apulia.
The party's composition remains heavily influenced by former members of Forza Italia, including a significant influx of politicians like Mara Carfagna, Mariastella Gelmini, and Giusy Versace in late 2024. This ongoing movement of personnel highlights the party's role as a central, if volatile, pillar of the Italian centre-right.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Us Moderates
- Also: Wikidata — Us Moderates · CC0
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