Conte Positions Five Star Movement as 'Not Left-Wing,' Eyes 2027 Premier Bid

Giuseppe Conte, the leader of Italy's Five Star Movement (M5S), is actively maneuvering for a potential bid for Prime Minister in the 2027 general election. Recent polls have reportedly reignited his ambitions, despite the political landscape being described as a "very narrow alley" leading to the Palazzo Chigi. Conte's strategy involves broadening his appeal beyond the M5S base and forging a "serious pact with voters" centered on stability and responsibility. He has declared that the M5S is "not left-wing," distancing the party from the Democratic Party (PD) and its progressive allies. This positioning is evident in his firm rejection of wealth taxes, a policy advocated by Elly Schlein, the leader of the PD, and the ecological duo Bonelli and Fratoianni. Conte stated he had studied the wealth tax while in office but ultimately discarded it. He is also emphasizing security as a "fundamental pillar," a stance that aligns with conservative figures like Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Salvini. Conte has asserted that security should not be solely the government's domain. While he claims to have always supported sanctions against Russia and condemned Putin's aggression, his political maneuvering has drawn attention, particularly after Prime Minister Meloni criticized him on social media for allegedly misrepresenting her statements. Conte is currently touring Italy to promote his book and build support for a progressive alternative government, with plans to discuss key program points with allies in September.

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The M5S? It is not left-wing.