Conte confirms primaries will proceed, but reignites debate on Ukraine stance

Giuseppe Conte, the leader of the Five Star Movement (M5S), has assured that the planned primaries will take place, seeking to smooth over recent disagreements with the Democratic Party (PD).

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There are no personal problems. We met for lunch today, as agreed last week. Political dialogue will continue, but with mutual respect.

Conte and PD leader Elly Schlein met for lunch, a discussion that lasted over an hour, to establish common ground. "There are no personal problems. We met for lunch today, as agreed last week. Political dialogue will continue, but with mutual respect," Conte told reporters. He emphasized that while political differences remain, they will be handled with mutual respect.

The leader of the M5S addressed foreign policy, particularly Italy's stance on Ukraine. "I have said and repeated the same things that I and the M5S have been saying for 4 years. Our position has always been the same. But I respect the positions of the Democratic Party," he stated. However, he also noted that foreign policy is a crucial issue that cannot be excluded from the primaries. "It is evident that foreign policy will also be discussed in the primaries. What are we doing? It is perhaps one of the most defining aspects, one of the most defining challenges for the country, for Europe, and at this moment also for the international geopolitical scenario," Conte explained.

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I have said and repeated the same things that I and the M5S have been saying for 4 years. Our position has always been the same. But I respect the positions of the Democratic Party.

He further clarified his position on Ukraine, stating, "On Ukraine, I do not align with the European position. I would like to understand what it is. In Europe, there is political apathy." The meeting between Conte and Schlein was crucial for clarifying their differing views before the parliamentary recess, especially after Conte's earlier remarks suggesting that the decision on supporting Kyiv should be left to the primaries, which drew strong reactions from the PD.

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It is evident that foreign policy will also be discussed in the primaries. What are we doing? It is perhaps one of the most defining aspects, one of the most defining challenges for the country, for Europe, and at this moment also for the international geopolitical scenario.

Within the M5S, a faction advocates for a "negotiation turn" and opening talks with Russia as the only solution to the crisis. This stance presents a challenge for the party, both internally and externally, particularly in its relationship with the PD, which has a different approach to the conflict. Conte's comments about "positions" within the PD highlight these nuances.

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On Ukraine, I do not align with the European position. I would like to understand what it is. In Europe, there is political apathy.