ROME: Italian centrist parties joined to form a new alliance ahead of general elections which falls on September 25 to challenge both the right-wing coalition led by Giorgia Meloni and the Democrats. 

Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Ex-minister Carlo Calenda have agreed to form a centrist alliance ahead of the general election.

Renzi's small party Italia Viva (Italy Alive) and Calenda's Azione (Action) party are reportedly  eyeing to win over moderate voters.

Such partnerships are critical for success in the Italian electoral system, which allocates a portion of its parliament seats based on pure majority voting. According to polls, the center-right alliance formed by the right-wing party Brothers of Italy is presently leading and has the best chance of winning.

Meanwhile, surveys show that the centre-left alliance led by the Social Democrats (PD) will fail to gain a majority even if it joins forces with the centrist group.

The new coalition hopes to attract supporters from Forza Italia, founded by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, because two of his party's most visible faces, ministers Mariastella Gelmini and Mara Carfagna, have already quit and will join the alliance's election campaign, lead by Caleda.

Former Minister Mario Draghi is still hoping to persuade outgoing Prime Minister Mario Draghi to stay on after the elections.

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