Italy’s foreign minister, Luigi Di Maio, announced a major move that shakes the political landscape. The Five Star Movement (M5S) is torn as several dozen lawmakers signal they will follow his lead, with the split centering on how the party should respond to Ukraine and the handling of arms shipments. The escalation comes after years of internal strain and public disagreements centered on policy direction and leadership style within the M5S, especially between Di Maio and party founder Giuseppe Conte.
Di Maio, who steered the M5S from its founding in 2009 until 2021, convened reporters at a Rome hotel after a tense day. He and a cadre of colleagues left the party to chart an independent course, signaling a new phase in Italian politics. The departure underscores a broader rift within the M5S, with factions opposing further weapons deliveries to Ukraine without parliamentary authorization, a stance that has complicated the party’s ability to align with the government’s position.
Di Maio stated that a clear choice had to be made about history: support for Ukraine in the face of aggression or risk alignment with Russia. He argued that certain M5S leaders were risking national strength by taking positions that could erode unity at a pivotal moment for Europe.
In remarks about the war’s implications, Di Maio emphasized the need for a united Europe achieved through united national governments. He urged the party and its members to move beyond internal debate and back the government’s approach, stressing that Europe’s resilience depends on cohesive leadership across member states. He also criticized colleagues within the M5S for actions deemed irresponsible during a critical period that demands European and Atlanticist alignment.
Di Maio indicated he does not plan to resign as foreign minister, and neither does Prime Minister Mario Draghi. The pair appears committed to maintaining government stability despite the M5S realignment. In the wake of the split, the movement formed a new grouping, called “Together for the Future,” to be represented in the Chamber of Deputies, though the arrangement in the Senate remained unsettled.
As the departing lawmakers begin to assemble under their new banner, the M5S is no longer the largest parliamentary group. The party’s role in the government coalition is now uncertain, with Matteo Salvini’s League positioned to become the dominant force on the right. Analysts warn that Di Maio’s decision could influence Beppe Grillo, the founder, who has recently shown support for Conte and may be seeking to limit the movement’s leadership dynamics ahead of the 2023 elections.
The M5S has endured repeated crises and internal divisions for years, though tensions previously stayed under wraps. The current conflict came to a head after Di Maio’s sharp public criticisms of Conte following disappointing municipal results. A meeting of the M5S National Council, an executive body comprising various party representatives, last Sunday raised the possibility of sanctions, including possible expulsions, as it condemned the broader political damage that had been done to the party’s reputation.
Di Maio’s departure marks the end of four continuous years in government service for him, during which he held multiple portfolios including foreign affairs, labor, economic development, and deputy prime minister. The immediate political impact appears manageable, as the new group is expected to continue supporting Draghi’s administration. However, observers note that Draghi’s governing majority could be jeopardized if additional M5S members decide to exit the coalition in the near term.
The developments come amid ongoing debates about the future of M5S leadership and policy directions, with implications for Italy’s stance within Europe and on the international stage. The evolving alignment within the government coalition continues to be watched closely by foreign capitals and financial markets, as the balance of power in Rome remains fluid and contingent on the decisions of a changing parliamentary landscape. [Source: Italian press, attribution]