M5S internal clash over wealth tax: 'It's a mistake,' says Patuanelli. 'The base demands it,' counters Appendino.

A debate over a wealth tax is fracturing Italy's Five Star Movement (M5S), pitting party leadership against a vocal faction advocating for the measure. The proposal, aimed at taxing the super-rich, has exposed deep divisions within the party.

“

When I was in government, I started studying it, then I threw it away because it was unsustainable.

Giuseppe Conte, the M5S president, has firmly rejected the idea, stating he studied it while in government but discarded it as "unsustainable." His deputy, Stefano Patuanelli, echoed this sentiment, calling the wealth tax "technically wrong" and questioning its political utility in an already contentious debate.

“

The wealth tax is a technically wrong instrument; I don't understand the political sense of launching it into a debate that inevitably becomes harsh.

Despite the leadership's opposition, former M5S deputy leader Chiara Appendino remains a staunch proponent. She argues that rejecting the discussion is "surreal," especially when the party itself has previously proposed amendments for a tax on multimillionaires. Appendino insists the proposal reflects a strong demand from the party's base and local territories, aiming to fund initiatives like the citizen's income, healthcare, and digital transition programs.

“

Surreal is not talking about it today, but not following up on the amendments that we ourselves have presented over the years in favor of a tax on multimillionaires to refinance the citizen's income, healthcare, and Transition 4.0.

Appendino is not alone; a dozen lawmakers reportedly support the measure, though many remain publicly silent due to fears of internal conflict ahead of next year's general election. Dario Carotenuto and Antonino Iaria are among the few who have publicly backed the tax, emphasizing the need for serious discussion on taxing large fortunes, financial gains, inheritances, and extraordinary profits. Iaria highlighted that the issue resonates in numerous Italian regions, suggesting it's a matter of broader political concern beyond M5S's internal strategies.

“

And I find it surreal, yes, to ignore a request that comes loud and clear from our territories and from the work we are doing with Nova. I struggle to understand why it should be a mistake even to discuss a contribution requested from a very small elite of super-rich.