The cause of new disputes was the statements of former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who leads the left-wing “Five Star” movement. In an interview with journalists, he questioned the necessity of further arms supplies to Ukraine.
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According to G. Conte, initially his party supported military aid to Kyiv, “because there was an obvious military imbalance compared to Russia,” but now, in his opinion, the situation has changed.
As the portal notes, the “Five Star” movement plans to continue abstaining from voting on new military aid packages and at the same time advocates for a transition to a negotiation process. G. Conte proposed that the final decision on the center-left bloc’s position be made through internal primary elections, during which voters should determine the future coalition leader.
G. Conte also emphasized that the main goal should be an agreement on ending the war through negotiations with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. At the same time, he opposes increasing defense spending – a step that is one of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s main commitments under the new NATO goals.
Conflict in the center-left camp
However, G. Conte’s proposal quickly sparked conflict within the center-left camp. The leader of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, who is expected to compete with G. Conte for coalition leadership, rejected the idea of setting policy on Ukraine through primary elections.
“It doesn’t work that way. First, there must be a program agreed upon by the entire alliance, and only then – primary elections, because whoever wins them must lead the entire coalition, not just their own party,” said E. Schlein.
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Criticizes Conte – will continue to support Ukraine with weapons
A representative of the Democratic Party, former Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini, also criticized G. Conte. He warned that the split of the broad coalition would have political consequences and stated that his party will continue to support Ukraine with weapons. According to L. Guerini, military aid to Kyiv is “a non-negotiable issue.”
However, the Ukraine issue divides not only the left. As reported by “Politico,” the current Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s partners in the ruling coalition from the right-wing “League” also view support for Kyiv and increasing the defense budget skeptically. Meanwhile, government representatives strongly opposed G. Conte’s position.
Accuses of supporting Putin
Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the “Forward, Italy!” (“Forza Italia”) party Antonio Tajani accused G. Conte of possible support for Russia. “Let the Italian left tell us which side they are on – the Ukrainian people or Putin. Are they on the side of democracy or dictatorships,” he said.
As “Politico” writes, Italian parliamentary elections could take place as early as next spring. If G. Meloni fails to independently form a new government, the coalition could invite former General Roberto Vannacci’s far-right party “National Future.” However, this political force also opposes military aid to Ukraine.
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