Italy’s political heavyweights gather in Cernobbio, from Schlein to Conte, Renzi and Pichetto

Italy’s political heavyweights converged on Cernobbio for the final day of the Ambrosetti Forum, where the focus shifted from the global economy and the European agenda to the country’s future.

The traditional opposition session brought together Angelo Bonelli of the Green and Left Alliance, Italia Viva leader Matteo Renzi and Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein, with Five Star Movement president Giuseppe Conte joining remotely. Government ministers were scheduled to discuss energy policy, infrastructure, competitiveness, labor, skills and opportunities for younger generations before Economy and Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti closed the forum’s economy and finance session.

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Our positions on foreign policy are very clear. We all agree that Europe does not benefit from the military escalation that is draining so many resources.

Conte said opposition forces had already developed common proposals on employment and environmental policy, as well as a conflict-of-interest law. He also argued that Europe would not benefit from a military escalation that was draining substantial resources. “Our positions on foreign policy are very clear. We all agree that Europe does not benefit from the military escalation that is draining so many resources,” he said.

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I am more determined than ever.

Conte criticized plans to devote 5% of the budget to armaments, saying some sectors had benefited from military commitments while others had not. He also renewed his proposal for a national sovereign development fund, financed through unused state assets and private savings. “I am more determined than ever” to pursue the proposal, he said, adding that he had submitted bills in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

Renzi, meanwhile, said elections should preferably take place in May, when “half of Italy votes,” to avoid a summer campaign. He said primaries could follow. Comparing the process to Siena’s Palio horse race, Renzi said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni would decide when the vote takes place, while Matteo Salvini, whom he described as usually late, would have to say whether he also wanted to delay the election.

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I think it is better to vote in May, because half of Italy votes, and to avoid a summer election campaign.