In a decisive statement during a televised interview on Porta a Porta, Giuseppe Conte, the president of the Five Star Movement (M5S), officially confirmed the party’s split from Italia Viva (Iv). When asked about existing alliances with Iv in Emilia Romagna and Umbria, Conte made it clear that he would not align the M5S symbol with that of Matteo Renzi, whom he accused of consistently undermining political integrity. “I am not available to associate the M5S symbol with Renzi’s,” Conte declared, emphasizing that the alliance is no longer tenable.
Conte went on to critique Elly Schlein, the leader of the Democratic Party (Pd), asserting that her dismissive response to M5S concerns indicated a lack of awareness about serious issues within the party. “When the M5S says a wound has been opened and Schlein responds, ‘I don’t do polemics,’ something is wrong,” he stated. His remarks reflect growing tension within the left-leaning coalition, highlighting a rift that seems increasingly difficult to bridge.
“Tonight, we confirm that the broad coalition no longer exists,” Conte said, underscoring his party’s resolve to move forward independently. This announcement coincided with his refusal to run alongside Iv in any upcoming elections. He reiterated that engaging in a political alliance with Renzi, whom he labeled as “an explosive ticking time bomb,” would undermine the credibility of M5S as a legitimate alternative government.
While Conte acknowledged that there might be future opportunities for collaboration with the Pd, he stressed that the M5S is currently unprepared to unite with them. “We have a path to take and numerous clarifications to make. We are not ready to ally today, but that doesn’t mean we don’t recognize the concrete steps that have been made,” he explained. He lamented the lack of communication and collaboration with the Pd, citing instances where the M5S felt blindsided by decisions made without their input.
In response to Conte’s comments, Pd Senate group leader Francesco Boccia urged a focus on strengthening alternatives to the right-wing government of Giorgia Meloni. “If we don’t want to leave the right and Meloni in power indefinitely, we need to reinforce our alternative by addressing the issues facing the people,” he stated. This sentiment was echoed by MP Marco Furfaro, who expressed disappointment at the idea of a fractured coalition, suggesting that such division only benefits the right.
The fallout from Conte’s declaration has left local coalition dynamics in disarray, particularly in Emilia Romagna and Umbria, where previous reassurances about maintaining agreements have now been called into question. With regional elections approaching on November 17 and 18, negotiations are expected to intensify, especially since Italia Viva remains determined to present its candidates alongside the center-left in Emilia Romagna, despite M5S’s clear stance against it.
The M5S’s decision has not only stirred controversy but has also drawn skepticism from other coalition partners, such as Avs, who have long opposed collaboration with Renzi’s party. They argue that while a lengthy negotiation process led to the alliance in Emilia Romagna, Iv should not be penalized for its past associations in Liguria. Meanwhile, discussions in Umbria remain complex, as Iv has expressed support for the Pd candidate without officially joining the electoral fray, raising questions about the future unity of the left as elections approach.
