Italian Centre's Journey
An in-depth academic exploration of Italy's Union of the Centre (UDC), tracing its formation, ideological evolution, political alliances, and electoral performance since 2002.
What is UDC? ๐ Explore History ๐ฐ๏ธDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Party Overview
Identity and Leadership
The Union of the Centre (Italian: Unione di Centro, UdC), officially known as the Union of Christian Democrats and Centre Democrats (Unione dei Democratici Cristiani e Democratici di Centro, UDC), is a Christian-democratic political party in Italy. As of 2025, Antonio De Poli serves as the party's secretary, with Lorenzo Cesa holding the position of president. Pier Ferdinando Casini was a prominent figure and de facto leader for many years until his departure in 2016.
Formation and Affiliations
Founded on December 6, 2002, the UDC emerged from the merger of three distinct parties: the Christian Democratic Centre (CCD), the United Christian Democrats (CDU), and European Democracy (DE). The party maintains strong international ties, being a member of the European People's Party (EPP) and the Centrist Democrat International (CDI).
Political Stance
Positioned within the political spectrum from the Centre to the Centre-right, the UDC is characterized by its Christian democracy and social conservatism. It has historically been part of the centre-right coalition in Italy, though its alliances have shifted over time, sometimes engaging with the centre-left at regional and local levels.
Historical Trajectory
Early Foundations (2001-2002)
The UDC's roots trace back to the 2001 Italian general election, where the Christian Democratic Centre (CCD) and United Christian Democrats (CDU) formed part of the victorious centre-right House of Freedoms coalition. Despite their joint list's modest national performance, a strong showing in the Sicilian regional election, where Salvatore Cuffaro (CDU) was elected President, underscored their regional influence. This period saw key figures like Pier Ferdinando Casini, Marco Follini, and Rocco Buttiglione rise to prominence.
Growth and Internal Dynamics (2002-2006)
The formal merger on December 6, 2002, established the "Union of Christian and Centre Democrats" (UDC). Marco Follini was elected secretary, with Sergio D'Antoni as deputy and Rocco Buttiglione as president. The party achieved electoral success in the 2004 European Parliament election, securing 5.9% of the vote and five MEPs. Follini's appointment as Deputy Prime Minister aimed to balance the centre-right coalition. However, a significant defeat in the 2005 regional elections led to Follini's resignation as party secretary, replaced by Lorenzo Cesa. The 2006 general election saw the UDC improve its national vote share to 6.8%, despite the broader defeat of the House of Freedoms.
Shifting Alliances and Splits (2006-2016)
The UDC experienced several internal divisions. Marco Follini departed in 2006 to form Middle Italy, eventually joining the centre-left Democratic Party. Other significant splits included Sergio D'Antoni (to The Daisy), Gianfranco Rotondi (to Christian Democracy for Autonomies), and Raffaele Lombardo (to the Movement for Autonomy). Pier Ferdinando Casini became increasingly critical of Silvio Berlusconi, leading to further realignments. In 2008, the UDC contested the general election under the "Union of the Centre" (UdC) banner, an alliance that included The Rose for Italy and other smaller groups, securing 5.6% of the vote. Casini envisioned a "party of the nation" as a centrist alternative. The party's participation in the "With Monti for Italy" coalition in the 2013 general election resulted in a significant decline to 1.8% of the vote. Despite this, the UDC joined Enrico Letta's and later Matteo Renzi's governments. In 2014, it formed a joint list with the New Centre-Right (NCD) for the European Parliament election, leading to the formation of the "Popular Area" (AP) parliamentary groups.
Re-foundation and Current Path (2016-Present)
The period from 2016 marked a significant re-evaluation for the UDC. Pier Ferdinando Casini, its long-standing leader, did not renew his party membership. The UDC distanced itself from the New Centre-Right and opposed the 2016 constitutional referendum. Following the referendum's defeat, the party fully exited the Popular Area. Antonio De Poli succeeded Gianpiero D'Alia as president. In 2017, the UDC rejoined the centre-right coalition at the regional level in Sicily, a move that prompted further internal dissent and the formation of "Italy Is Popular" by some former members. Nationally, the UDC officially re-entered the centre-right coalition for the 2018 general election, participating in the "Us with Italy" list. In 2022, it was a founding member of "Us Moderates" for the general election. More recently, in the run-up to the 2024 European Parliament election, the UDC formed an alliance with the League. In July 2025, Antonio De Poli was elected to succeed Lorenzo Cesa as secretary, with Cesa becoming president.
Ideological Pillars
Christian Democracy & Social Conservatism
The Union of the Centre firmly anchors itself in Christian democracy, a political ideology that integrates Christian principles with democratic values. This foundation translates into a strong stance on social conservatism, making the UDC a vocal proponent against abortion, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, LGBT adoption, and the legality of cannabis. These positions align the party closely with the Christian right in Italy.
Centrist Identity and Challenges
Despite its socially conservative leanings, the UDC is often identified with the political centre in Italy, largely owing to its historical lineage from the Christian Democracy (DC) party. However, this centrist identity has been subject to external interpretations; for instance, The Economist once described the UDC as a right-wing, sometimes reactionary party, noting its strong support base in Southern Italy, particularly Sicily, where public-sector employment plays a significant role in households.
Ambitions for a Third Force
Under Pier Ferdinando Casini's leadership, the UDC aimed to establish itself as a "party of the nation," a broad centrist alternative to both the centre-right and centre-left blocs. This vision sought to unite Christian democrats, liberals, and reformers, and to reassemble the fragmented remnants of the old DC to exert central control over Italian politics. This "centrist option," however, faced significant challenges, as Berlusconi's parties successfully attracted many former DC voters, and Italian politics often favored more confrontational, coalition-based systems over a unified centre. After Casini's departure, the party, under Lorenzo Cesa, signaled a return to its traditional Christian-democratic roots.
Specific Policy Stances
Beyond its core ideological tenets, the UDC has also taken clear positions on specific policy issues. Notably, the party has been one of the primary advocates for the development and implementation of nuclear energy within the Italian political landscape, highlighting its commitment to certain energy policies.
Internal Factions
The Casiniani
This faction, led by Pier Ferdinando Casini, Lorenzo Cesa, and Rocco Buttiglione, represented a significant portion of the party, often controlling around 45% of delegates. It included prominent figures such as Mario Tassone, Michele Vietti, Luca Volontรจ, Francesco D'Onofrio, Maurizio Ronconi, Francesco Bosi, and Antonio De Poli. This group generally supported the party's central leadership and its broader centrist strategy.
The Tabaccini
Comprising the party's left-wing, this group, with approximately 30% support, included leaders like Bruno Tabacci, Mario Baccini, and Armando Dionisi. Formerly close to Marco Follini, they advocated for cooperation with the Democratic Party (PD) or the formation of a new centrist party open to figures such as Luca Cordero di Montezemolo and Mario Monti. Many of this faction eventually left the UDC to pursue these alternative alliances.
The Cuffariani
Representing the southern, particularly Sicilian, wing of the party, this faction was led by Salvatore Cuffaro, former President of Sicily. Key members included Calogero Mannino, Francesco Saverio Romano, Giuseppe Naro, and Giuseppe Drago. While generally supporting the Casini-Cesa line, they were often more amenable to alliances with Silvio Berlusconi's parties. Most of the Cuffariani eventually departed the UDC to form "The Populars of Italy Tomorrow" (PID) and support Berlusconi's government.
The Giovanardiani
Led by Carlo Giovanardi and Emerenzio Barbieri, this faction sought closer ties with Forza Italia and the broader House of Freedoms coalition, including the Northern League. They argued that a significant majority of UDC voters desired such an alliance. With about 13.8% of delegates, this group eventually organized as the "Liberal Populars" before leaving the UDC to join Berlusconi's The People of Freedom (PdL).
Electoral Performance
The Union of the Centre (UDC/UdC) has historically demonstrated stronger electoral performance in Southern Italy and in regional elections. The tables below provide a comprehensive overview of the party's results in national and European parliamentary elections, as well as its presence in Italy's regional councils.
Italian Parliament: Chamber of Deputies
Election Year | Votes | % | Seats | +/โ | Leader |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2006 | 2,580,190 (4th) | 6.8 | 39 / 630 |
โ๏ธ |
Pier Ferdinando Casini |
2008 | 2,050,309 (4th) | 5.6 | 36 / 630 |
โฌ๏ธ 3 |
Pier Ferdinando Casini |
2013 | 608,199 (9th) | 1.8 | 8 / 630 |
โฌ๏ธ 28 |
Pier Ferdinando Casini |
2018 | into Us with Italy | 1.3 | 0 / 630 |
โฌ๏ธ 8 |
Lorenzo Cesa |
2022 | into Us Moderates | 0.9 | 1 / 400 |
โฌ๏ธ 1 |
Lorenzo Cesa |
Italian Parliament: Senate of the Republic
Election Year | Votes | % | Seats | +/โ | Leader |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2006 | 2,309,442 (6th) | 6.8 | 21 / 315 |
โ๏ธ |
Pier Ferdinando Casini |
2008 | 1,898,842 (4th) | 5.7 | 3 / 315 |
โฌ๏ธ 18 |
Pier Ferdinando Casini |
2013 | into Monti for Italy | โ | 2 / 315 |
โฌ๏ธ 1 |
Pier Ferdinando Casini |
2018 | into Us with Italy | 1.2 | 3 / 315 |
โฌ๏ธ 1 |
Lorenzo Cesa |
2022 | into Us Moderates | 0.9 | 1 / 200 |
โฌ๏ธ 2 |
Lorenzo Cesa |
European Parliament
Election | Leader | Votes | % | Seats | +/โ | EP Group |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2004 | Pier Ferdinando Casini | 1,914,726 (5th) | 5.9 | 5 / 72 |
New | EPP |
2009 | Pier Ferdinando Casini | 1,995,021 (5th) | 6.5 | 5 / 72 |
โ๏ธ 0 | |
2014 | Lorenzo Cesa | 1,202,350 (5th) | 4.4 | 1 / 73 |
โฌ๏ธ 4 | |
2019 | Lorenzo Cesa | Into Forza Italia | 0 / 73 |
โฌ๏ธ 1 | โ | |
2024 | Lorenzo Cesa | Into Lega | 0 / 73 |
โ๏ธ 0 |
Regional Councils
Region | Election Year | Votes | % | Seats | +/โ | Status in Legislature |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aosta Valley | 2020 | โ | โ | 0 / 35 |
โ๏ธ |
No seats |
Piedmont | 2024 | With Forza Italia | โ | 0 / 50 |
โ๏ธ |
No seats |
Lombardy | 2023 | Into Us Moderates | โ | 0 / 80 |
โ๏ธ |
No seats |
South Tyrol | 2023 | โ | โ | 0 / 35 |
โ๏ธ |
No seats |
Trentino | 2023 | 1,362 | 0.6 | 0 / 35 |
โ๏ธ |
No seats |
Veneto | 2020 | Into Forza Italia | โ | 0 / 51 |
โฌ๏ธ 3 |
No seats |
Friuli-Venezia Giulia | 2023 | Into Fedriga list | โ | 1 / 49 |
โฌ๏ธ 1 |
Majority |
Emilia-Romagna | 2024 | Into Lega | โ | 0 / 50 |
โ๏ธ 0 |
No seats |
Liguria | 2024 | 7,294 | 1.3 | 0 / 31 |
โ๏ธ 0 |
No seats |
Tuscany | 2020 | With Forza Italia | โ | 0 / 41 |
โ๏ธ 0 |
No seats |
Marche | 2020 | 14,067 | 2.3 | 1 / 31 |
โ๏ธ 0 |
Majority |
Umbria | 2024 | 1,432 | 0.5 | 0 / 20 |
โ๏ธ 0 |
No seats |
Lazio | 2023 | 24,983 (10th) | 1.6 | 1 / 50 |
โฌ๏ธ 1 |
Majority |
Abruzzo | 2024 | 6,784 | 1.2 | 0 / 31 |
โฌ๏ธ 1 |
No seats |
Molise | 2023 | 5,005 | 3.5 | 0 / 21 |
โ๏ธ 0 |
No seats |
Campania | 2020 | 45,326 | 1.9 | 0 / 51 |
โฌ๏ธ 2 |
No seats |
Apulia | 2020 | 31,736 | 1.9 | 0 / 51 |
โฌ๏ธ 3 |
No seats |
Basilicata | 2024 | 6,636 | 2.5 | 0 / 21 |
โ๏ธ 0 |
No seats |
Calabria | 2021 | 34,923 | 4.6 | 2 / 30 |
โฌ๏ธ 1 |
Majority |
Sicily | 2022 | Into DC | โ | 1 / 70 |
โฌ๏ธ 4 |
Majority |
Sardinia | 2024 | 19,237 | 2.8 | 1 / 60 |
โฌ๏ธ 3 |
Opposition |
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Union Of The Centre 2002" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- Run in a joint list with New Centre-Right.
- Nasce il Polo della nazione. Archiviostorico.corriere.it. Retrieved on 24 August 2013.
- "Prodi resurrectedรขยยfor now". The Economist. 1 March 2007.
- "A plague on both your houses". The Economist. 7 December 2006.
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not political advice or endorsement. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for independent research, critical analysis, or consultation with experts in political science or Italian affairs. It does not represent an endorsement or critique of any political party or ideology. Always refer to official party documents, reputable academic sources, and diverse media for a comprehensive understanding of political entities. Never disregard professional or academic insights because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.