Giuseppe Conte wins warm Democratic crowd in Bologna and backs Lepore for another term

Giuseppe Conte arrived at Bologna’s Unity Festival to cheers, requests for photographs and copies of his book, and repeated chants of “Thank you, president” and “Giuseppe, Giuseppe.” Many young people joined the welcome for the Five Star Movement leader at Parco Cevenini.

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Our assessment of Mayor Lepore is very positive.

Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore and Democratic lawmaker Andrea De Maria greeted Conte at the entrance before joining him on stage. Conte also shook hands with M5S Senator Marco Croatti and Democratic lawmaker Arturo Scotto, both of whom the article says traveled to Gaza aboard a flotilla in September 2025.

Conte used the event to endorse Lepore ahead of the 2027 local elections. “Our assessment of Mayor Lepore is very positive,” he said, adding that the M5S was directly involved in the city government and majority. He said the party viewed Lepore’s work favorably and hoped citizens would be willing to renew his mandate.

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He was attacked for crude right-wing propaganda.

Conte also defended Lepore over the Fakir case, saying the mayor had been attacked for “crude right-wing propaganda.” He said Lepore had shown responsibility over an episode that had also left him astonished, acting promptly and sensitively without blaming anyone. Conte warned that the incident could have triggered an uncontrolled reaction and told the mayor, “We will support you for renewal. You are doing well, and you will always have our loyal support.”

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We will support you for renewal. You are doing well, and you will always have our loyal support.

De Maria emphasized the broader political relationship, calling the M5S one of the coalition’s fundamental partners. He said the two parties had worked together in many regions and municipalities and would do so again in Bologna, arguing that a broad alliance could be the condition for winning national elections. Conte also addressed the coalition’s key issues, including primary elections, investment in nurseries and support for families, before visiting the festival kitchens and embracing volunteers.

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They are one of the fundamental members of this coalition.