PD split over Schlein's decision to stand in EU elections

(ANSA) - ROME, APR 22 - A big row has erupted within the opposition, centre-left Democratic Party (PD) after leader Elly Schlein said she will stand as a candidate in June's European elections.
    Schlein will be the lead candidate in the central Italy and Italian islands constituencies, so her name is set to appear on the party symbol and posters.
    The logic is that her profile will attract voters, although she has no intention of actually taking up her seat in the European Parliament, but will forego it and continue to lead the party in Italy and represent it in the Italian Lower House.
    Former European Commission President and ex-centre-left premier Romani Prodi was among the figures to criticise the decision, saying it was an "injury" to democracy. (ANSA).