Five Star Movement's 'No Tav' Demand Complicates Italian Center-Left Alliances

The Five Star Movement (M5S) in Piedmont, under the leadership of Chiara Appendino, is reigniting the opposition to the high-speed rail project (TAV) between Turin and Lyon. This stance is creating significant friction for potential alliances with center-left parties, particularly the Democratic Party (PD).

Appendino, along with other M5S officials, issued a statement demanding that any "broad field" alliance adopt a clear "No Tav" position. This move echoes Appendino's past activism against the TAV project during her time as mayor of Turin. The declaration is being interpreted as a non-negotiable condition set by M5S for potential partners in upcoming elections, both national and local.

The demand poses a considerable challenge for the PD, whose leadership, including Elly Schlein, may find it difficult to reconcile with their party's historical support for the project. Centrist parties, such as Italia Viva, are also expected to reject such a condition outright. Analysts suggest that Appendino and her allies might be intentionally setting impossible terms, aiming to derail the formation of a progressive coalition.

This renewed push against the TAV project comes after a recent intergovernmental commission meeting in Chambéry, where rising costs and extended timelines for the rail link were discussed. The M5S representatives cited these factors as justification for their call to halt the project, specifically the national section between Orbassano and Avigliana. Their position contrasts sharply with the perceived need for modern high-speed rail to maintain the Turin region's relevance in Europe, a view previously held by many potential allies.

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A questo punto, proclamano i pentastellati, serve il coraggio di fermarsi, a partire dalla tratta nazionale Orbassano-Avigliana.