M5S leader Giuseppe Conte has drawn a line in the sand regarding a left-wing alliance, criticizing the Democratic Party (PD) for giving renewed prominence to Matteo Renzi. “With the PD, there’s an issue: they have brought Renzi back into the fold. This is a wound that continues to deepen, and we refuse to align ourselves with him,” Conte stated. He denied any personal issues with Renzi, instead framing the matter as one of credibility and reliability. “If we want to build a serious, unified project, we must also show respect and constructive behavior towards our allies,” he told Corriere della Sera.
Conte further emphasized that PD leader Elly Schlein has restored Renzi’s political centrality, despite Renzi being a divisive figure who has consistently sought to undermine the M5S. “Schlein has done this without even bothering to consult me or engage in a serious political discussion with the other allies,” Conte lamented, adding that such actions weaken the left’s efforts to offer a viable alternative to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. He expressed concern that this division could widen within the M5S, as his community feels increasingly alienated by Renzi’s return.
Addressing the alliance in Liguria, Conte voiced dissatisfaction with Renzi’s involvement in progressive politics, calling it a “deadly embrace” that risks contaminating their project. “The ambiguous formula of ‘no vetoes’ from Schlein has allowed Renzi to re-enter the progressive camp,” he said. Conte emphasized that even PD supporters have expressed their desire to keep Renzi out of the coalition to preserve the integrity of their political mission. “Renzi’s involvement is not only a political mistake that will cost us support, but in the event of victory, he would become an internal threat, destabilizing the government.”
Conte reiterated that his opposition to Renzi is not personal, but rooted in principles of credibility and ethical governance. He criticized Renzi for engaging in political and business dealings that, in his view, undermine Italian democracy. “We are in politics to counter the harmful blending of politics and business. We want clear laws on conflicts of interest and the regulation of lobbyists,” Conte stated. He concluded by warning that Renzi’s presence is a growing problem that could hinder the formation of a solid left-wing alternative to Meloni’s administration.
