Conte sets out agenda for possible M5S primary bid: equality, security, pacifism
Giuseppe Conte has outlined a political platform centered on equality, security, and pacifism, while explicitly rejecting the so-called 'woke' culture. The former prime minister's remarks, published in a newspaper article, are widely seen as the foundation of a possible candidacy in the Five Star Movement's upcoming primary elections.
Giuseppe Conte has signaled the core themes of a potential bid for leadership in the Five Star Movement, placing equality, security, and pacifism at the center of his political vision. In a written intervention published in the newspaper La Repubblica, the former prime minister also drew a clear line against the influence of 'woke' culture, which he framed as alien to the movement's traditions and to the concerns of ordinary Italian citizens.
According to sources close to Conte, the article was carefully crafted to lay the groundwork for a formal candidacy in the Movement's primary elections. The three watchwords — equality, security, and pacifism — are intended to reconnect the party with its founding identity while addressing contemporary anxieties about social justice, public safety, and international conflict. The explicit rejection of 'woke' ideology appears designed to distinguish Conte's platform from more progressive currents within the European left, which he argues have drifted toward cultural battles disconnected from material realities.
Conte's intervention comes at a delicate moment for the Five Star Movement, which has struggled to maintain its electoral relevance since its peak in 2018. The former premier, who led two coalition governments between 2018 and 2021, has been positioning himself as the figure capable of reuniting a fragmented base. His emphasis on security marks a notable shift for a party historically associated with civil rights and anti-militarism, suggesting an attempt to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional electorate.
The response within the party has been cautious but largely positive. Several regional leaders have welcomed the clarity of Conte's message, while others have called for a more detailed policy program before the primary vote. The date for the primaries has not yet been officially announced, but internal discussions point to a timeline in the coming months. Conte's allies insist that the article was not a formal declaration of candidacy but rather an invitation to debate the Movement's future direction.
Observers note that the combination of pacifism and security reflects an attempt to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. Italy's continued support for Ukraine, alongside growing public fatigue over the economic consequences of the war, has created a delicate balancing act for political leaders. Conte's language suggests a desire to maintain the Movement's traditional anti-war stance while acknowledging legitimate concerns about public order and national defense.
The rejection of 'woke' culture is likely to resonate with segments of the Italian electorate that view such cultural shifts as imports from the Anglo-Saxon world. Conte framed the issue in terms of protecting local identities and common sense, avoiding the polarizing rhetoric often associated with such debates. Whether this position will help or hinder his candidacy remains to be seen, but it has already generated significant discussion within Italian political circles.
