Marco Perosino, a former senator, switches political allegiance; now affiliated with Fratelli d'Italia party
In a significant move that has shaken up the political landscape of Piedmont, Marco Perosino, a long-standing figure in local politics, has left Forza Italia and joined Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia).
Timeline
Marco Perosino, who has been an active member of Forza Italia for several years, holding local political roles and participating in center-right coalitions in Piedmont, made his move in late 2023. Tensions and ideological differences with Forza Italia’s regional leadership had been growing for some time, and rumours of a potential party switch began circulating in mid-2023.
Reasons for the Switch
Perosino's decision was influenced by Brothers of Italy’s national-conservative, more right-wing platform, which he felt was more in line with his personal political views. Joining Brothers of Italy, which has been gaining electoral traction under Giorgia Meloni’s leadership, offered better prospects for political influence and career advancement. Additionally, dissatisfaction with Forza Italia, due to internal struggles, lack of clear leadership direction, and the party's diminishing role in the center-right coalition, played a part in Perosino's departure. The changing political climate in Piedmont, with Brothers of Italy strengthening its grassroots support, made the move pragmatic for Perosino to remain relevant.
Impact on Piedmont Politics
Perosino’s defection has reinforced Brothers of Italy’s presence in Piedmont, adding experienced leadership and boosting credibility. Forza Italia, on the other hand, has symbolised continuing challenges and fragmentation within its regional structures. The shift has altered the dynamics of the center-right coalition at the local level, influencing candidate selections and campaign messaging. With more prominent figures joining Brothers of Italy, the party’s chances have improved in regional elections, possibly reshaping Piedmont’s political map.
Franco Graglia, the provincial secretary of Forza Italia, has expressed gratitude towards Perosino for his work in the party over the years. Graglia wishes Perosino to find the same consideration in his new party that Forza Italia has given him. Graglia regrets learning about Perosino's departure from the newspapers, indicating he was not informed beforehand.
Perosino's entry into the enlarged secretariat of Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defense, as a consultant has been confirmed. His departure from Forza Italia does not seem to worry the party, as indicated by the statements of Faccenda and Manzone, the president of the association of mayors in the Roero and a provincial councillor, respectively.
Marco Perosino, who was previously a senator for Forza Italia and is the current mayor of Priocca, has a substantial political curriculum. He has served as the mayor of Priocca from 1995 to 2024, with one interruption, and was a councillor in the province in 2009. Despite his departure, the Roero branch of Forza Italia remains strong, as evidenced by the support expressed by Enrico Faccenda, the president of the association of mayors in the Roero.
This move marks the end of Marco Perosino's collaboration with the Minister of Public Administration, Paolo Zangrillo. However, it opens new opportunities for him within Brothers of Italy, a party that is rapidly growing in influence both nationally and in Piedmont.
- The shift in Marco Perosino's political affiliation from Forza Italia to Brothers of Italy in late 2023, driven by ideological differences and better prospects for influence, has significantly reshaped the policy-and-legislation landscape of Piedmont by strengthening Brothers of Italy's presence in regional politics.
- As General-news headlines announce Marco Perosino's departure from Forza Italia and entry into Brothers of Italy, it is evident that the political landscape of Piedmont is marked by escalating politics, with party loyalties shifting and coalition dynamics altering, highlighting the importance of policy-and-legislation in shaping the political climate.
