Conte and Schlein Meet for Lunch in Rome, Discuss Primaries

Giuseppe Conte and Elly Schlein, leaders of the Five Star Movement and the Democratic Party respectively, met for lunch in Rome, signaling a potential thaw in relations after recent political disagreements. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, aimed to address the current political landscape and clear the air following tensions over foreign policy stances, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine. The leaders had previously engaged in a public exchange of words regarding the progressive camp's foreign policy choices, with Conte suggesting that Italians would decide through primaries, a statement that drew strong reactions from within the Democratic Party. Sources indicate that the discussion also touched upon the sensitive issue of primary elections, a key point of contention. Conte stated after the lunch that there were "no personal problems" with Schlein and that while political debate continues, it is conducted with mutual respect. The meeting was reportedly planned the previous week, suggesting an effort to de-escalate and foster a more collaborative political dialogue.

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With Schlein, there are no personal problems. Today we met for lunch, we had already agreed on it last week. The political dialectic remains, but with mutual respect.