So what does the heatwave have to do with the operation of a nuclear power station?

Italian reformism is making a fresh start at the Teatro Parenti. From Carlo Calenda to Luigi Marattin, from Pina Picierno to Mario Monti, and the gamble of building a centrist, liberal and pro-European political force

The leader of the PD is pursuing a genuine alternative course of action designed to appeal to reformists. At the Nazareno, they are concerned, but are already devising a plan: to offer him the vice-presidency of the European Parliament

In Milan, a rallying call for “europeisti.eu”, featuring, amongst others, Calenda, Picierno and Marattin. The Matteotti circles aim to “bring together the reformist movements”, the Sturzo Institute seeks to gather ideas from the Christian-democratic camp, and the Einaudi Foundation – with some caveats – operates on the liberal side, acting as the “ego and fulcrum of the balance”

Lorenzo Gasperini, the philosopher behind Futuro Nazionale, speaks out. “That comment against civil partnerships? Perhaps phrased in a more civil manner, but I’d retweet it.” The Lega? “It’s a centrist party.” Giuli? “Ideologically fragile” 

“La marcia sul posto” is about the Prime Minister. The argument is this: the government’s leadership, which for the more conventional left was supposed to be the new March on Rome, has turned out to be a skilful and stubborn effort at resistance, a shrewd form of cryotherapy designed to freeze any change in its tracks. Paradoxically, it becomes an oblique eulogy

Prime Minister Giorgia’s sister shares the view of the head of the Fratelli d’Italia organisation: “When I hear Vannacci speak, I sometimes think he’s right about certain things. But then I see him in Parliament voting against the first right-wing government in Italian history”

Manuel Grillo has not signed the anti-fascism clause required by the AIE to take part in the Rome book fair. This is not a departure from the Constitution, he says, but a conviction that respecting it is sufficient to participate legitimately. His catalogue also stands in his defence: from Rebatet to Weiss