by Maximiliano Crocamo
Francesco Russo, a regional councilor for the center-left Democratic Party, has withdrawn from consideration as a candidate for mayor of Trieste, clearing the way for Mitja Gialuz ahead of the city’s next election.
Russo announced his decision before an internal party discussion, saying he wanted to avoid renewed divisions within the center-left coalition. Such divisions contributed to its defeat in the previous mayoral election five years ago.
The decision followed weeks of discussions and, Russo acknowledged, some disappointment. A teacher of philosophy and history, he invoked the words of Italian educator and priest Lorenzo Milani, saying that addressing problems together is politics, while doing so alone is selfishness. He pledged his loyalty and support to Gialuz.
Russo said his withdrawal did not mean abandoning his vision for Trieste. His priorities include free, accessible nursery care for all families, following the example of Vicenza; greater investment in outlying neighborhoods, which he believes have been neglected; and an economic development strategy that extends beyond tourism.
He ruled out running for a seat on the city council and said he would not seek a position as deputy mayor or city councilor.
