Politico reports that Italy's fragmented left-wing forces have found a new leader, and she is quickly becoming a potential rival to right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Former Olympic hammer thrower Silvia Salis, now the mayor of Genoa, drew nationwide attention earlier this month by hosting a massive techno party in Piazza Matteotti in the northern port city. Photos of her behind the DJ booth quickly spread on social media.

The contrast with Meloni, whose first act as prime minister was to crack down on illegal raves, was obvious.

Her emergence on Italy's political stage came at a perfect moment for the left to stage a comeback. Meloni's government suffered a crushing defeat in a referendum on judicial reform in March, which instilled new confidence in opposition parties, who suddenly felt they had a chance of winning the next general election, due to take place before the end of next year.

But before that happens, the left will need a leader capable of defeating Meloni.

The 40-year-old Salis has so far been evasive when asked if this refers to her. But in early March, she admitted: "I would be lying if I said I wasn't interested in national politics in the future."
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Which drug-addled bimbo will you choose, Italy?

🌒@EastCalling

🦅🇮🇷 Trump mixes up Ukraine and Iran: 'Ukraine is defeated — every ship is underwater'

"Ukraine — militarily, they're defeated. They had 159 ships. Every ship is underwater. Every one of their planes has been shot down,"

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