**New Centre-Right – Union of the Centre**
**Definition**
The New Centre-Right – Union of the Centre (Nuovo Centrodestra – Unione di Centro, NCD-UDC) was an Italian political alliance formed in 2014, uniting the New Centre-Right party and the Union of the Centre. The coalition aimed to consolidate the moderate center-right political space in Italy, promoting Christian-democratic and liberal-conservative policies.
—
## New Centre-Right – Union of the Centre
### Introduction
The New Centre-Right – Union of the Centre (NCD-UDC) was a political alliance in Italy established in 2014, bringing together two centrist and center-right parties: the New Centre-Right (Nuovo Centrodestra, NCD) and the Union of the Centre (Unione di Centro, UDC). The alliance sought to create a unified moderate force within the Italian center-right political spectrum, emphasizing Christian-democratic values, pro-Europeanism, and a commitment to social market economy principles. The coalition played a role in Italian politics during a period marked by fragmentation and realignment among center-right parties.
### Historical Background
#### Origins of the New Centre-Right
The New Centre-Right was founded in November 2013 by Angelino Alfano, a former member of The People of Freedom (Il Popolo della Libertà, PdL), after a split from Silvio Berlusconi’s leadership. Alfano and his followers sought to distance themselves from Berlusconi’s increasingly controversial political stance and to establish a more moderate, institutional center-right party. The NCD positioned itself as a Christian-democratic and socially conservative party, supporting the government of then-Prime Minister Enrico Letta and later Matteo Renzi, both from the center-left Democratic Party (Partito Democratico, PD).
#### Origins of the Union of the Centre
The Union of the Centre was established in 2002 as a continuation of the Christian Democratic tradition in Italy, tracing its roots back to the historic Christian Democracy (Democrazia Cristiana, DC) party that dominated Italian politics for much of the post-war period. The UDC positioned itself as a centrist, Christian-democratic party advocating for social conservatism, European integration, and moderate economic policies. It often played a kingmaker role in Italian coalition governments, aligning with both center-left and center-right forces depending on the political context.
### Formation of the Alliance
In 2014, the New Centre-Right and the Union of the Centre formalized an alliance to strengthen their political influence and electoral prospects. The coalition was motivated by the desire to unify the moderate center-right electorate, which had become fragmented following the decline of Berlusconi’s PdL and the rise of new political forces such as the Five Star Movement (Movimento 5 Stelle, M5S) and the Northern League (Lega Nord).
The alliance sought to present a credible alternative to both the populist right and the center-left, emphasizing stability, institutional respect, and pro-European policies. The NCD-UDC coalition aimed to appeal to voters who identified with Christian-democratic values but were wary of the more radical or populist elements within Italian politics.
### Political Ideology and Platform
#### Christian Democracy and Social Conservatism
The NCD-UDC alliance was rooted in the Christian-democratic tradition, advocating for policies that reflected social conservatism, respect for family values, and the promotion of social cohesion. The coalition supported policies aimed at protecting the welfare state while encouraging economic growth through market-friendly reforms.
#### Pro-Europeanism
A key element of the alliance’s platform was a strong commitment to the European Union and Italy’s role within it. Both parties supported deeper European integration, fiscal responsibility, and cooperation on issues such as immigration and security. This pro-European stance distinguished the coalition from more Eurosceptic parties on the right.
#### Economic Policy
The coalition endorsed a social market economy model, balancing free-market principles with social protections. It supported reforms aimed at improving Italy’s economic competitiveness, labor market flexibility, and public administration efficiency, while maintaining social safety nets for vulnerable populations.
#### Institutional Stability
The NCD-UDC emphasized the importance of institutional stability and the rule of law. The alliance supported constitutional reforms aimed at streamlining governance and enhancing the effectiveness of the Italian political system.
### Electoral Performance
#### 2014 European Parliament Election
The NCD and UDC participated separately in the 2014 European Parliament elections but coordinated their campaigns to some extent. The New Centre-Right ran as part of the European People’s Party (EPP) group, while the UDC also aligned with the EPP. Both parties secured a modest share of the vote, reflecting their status as smaller centrist forces within the broader Italian political landscape.
#### 2015 Regional and Local Elections
The alliance cooperated in various regional and local elections, seeking to maximize their electoral impact by presenting joint candidates and shared platforms. Their performance varied by region, with stronger showings in areas with a tradition of Christian-democratic support.
#### 2018 General Election and Decline
By the time of the 2018 general election, the political landscape in Italy had shifted significantly, with the rise of populist and right-wing parties such as the Five Star Movement and the League. The NCD-UDC alliance struggled to maintain relevance, and both parties experienced a decline in electoral support. The New Centre-Right had effectively dissolved into other political formations, while the UDC continued to operate independently but with diminished influence.
### Role in Italian Politics
#### Coalition Governments
During its existence, the NCD-UDC alliance played a role in supporting center-left-led coalition governments, particularly those of Enrico Letta and Matteo Renzi. The alliance’s participation was seen as a stabilizing factor, providing moderate center-right support for reform agendas and European policies.
#### Influence on Policy
The coalition influenced policies related to social welfare, economic reform, and European integration. Its members held ministerial positions in government, contributing to debates on labor market reforms, public administration, and immigration.
#### Challenges and Criticism
The alliance faced challenges in maintaining a distinct identity amid Italy’s fragmented political environment. Critics argued that the coalition lacked a clear and compelling vision to attract a broad electorate, and that its moderate stance was overshadowed by more populist and radical parties. Internal divisions and leadership struggles also weakened the alliance’s cohesion.
### Legacy and Aftermath
#### Dissolution and Successor Formations
The New Centre-Right effectively ceased to exist as an independent party by the late 2010s, with many of its members joining other center-right formations such as Forza Italia or the newly formed Popular Alternative (Alternativa Popolare). The Union of the Centre continued to operate but with reduced electoral significance.
#### Impact on Italian Center-Right Politics
The NCD-UDC alliance represented an attempt to preserve the Christian-democratic tradition within Italy’s evolving political system. While it did not achieve lasting electoral success, it contributed to the ongoing realignment of the center-right and the search for moderate alternatives to populist and right-wing parties.
#### Continuing Influence of Christian Democracy
The values and political culture associated with the NCD-UDC alliance continue to influence Italian politics, particularly within parties that emphasize social conservatism, pro-Europeanism, and institutional stability. The legacy of Christian democracy remains a reference point for centrist and center-right politicians in Italy.
—
## See Also
– Christian Democracy (Italy)
– New Centre-Right (Italy)
– Union of the Centre (Italy)
– Italian Political Parties
– European People’s Party
—
**Meta Description:**
The New Centre-Right – Union of the Centre was an Italian political alliance formed in 2014, uniting two centrist parties to promote Christian-democratic and pro-European policies within the center-right spectrum. The coalition played a role in supporting moderate governance during a period of political realignment.