PD-M5s split widens over Ukraine war, EU defense

A significant rift has opened between Italy's Democratic Party (PD) and the Five Star Movement (M5s) concerning the war in Ukraine and the future of European defense, exposing deep ideological divides between their leaders, Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte.

Schlein, the PD secretary, has firmly stated her support for Kyiv, advocating for "all necessary means" to aid Ukraine and condemning the Russian invasion as a violation of international law. She also champions Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Her stance aligns with reformist elements within the PD and contrasts sharply with Conte's position.

Conte, leading the M5s, has made opposition to rearmament a central theme of his campaign, encapsulated in the slogan "You pay for the war." He has also rejected the European defense program 'Safe,' a move that has drawn criticism from PD's foreign affairs representative, Giuseppe Provenzano, who supports the initiative. The divergence was starkly illustrated when PD MEPs voted in favor of accelerating Ukraine's EU accession talks, while M5s MEPs voted against it.

The ideological chasm is further emphasized by Conte's scheduled appearance on August 12th to speak at the 82nd anniversary of the Sant'Anna di Stazzema massacre, a site of historical significance for the left. Some within the PD have questioned the decision to invite Conte, given his stance on military aid, arguing it is inappropriate for someone who proposes leaving an attacked nation without means of defense to speak at a place commemorating victims of military violence.

Adding to the political tension, Schlein has indicated she would not veto potential allies like Matteo Renzi, while Conte remains resistant to the former prime minister. Efforts are underway by figures like Romano Prodi and Pierluigi Bersani to mediate and establish common ground on policy issues before potential primary elections.