Rome, Lazio, Italy – Luigi Di Maio, the former leader of the Five Star Movement (M5S) and currently the EU’s special envoy to the Gulf, emphasized Italy’s newfound reliability on the international stage, attributing it to recent political stability. Di Maio made these remarks during his appearance at the Atreju festival, an annual event hosted by the Fratelli d’Italia (FdI) party, held on December 11, 2025.
Di Maio’s Return to Atreju and Political Affinities
Di Maio’s presence at Atreju, a festival historically associated with the Italian right, marked his second attendance, the first being in 2021. Addressing questions about his past political leanings and those of his father, a former MSI executive, Di Maio clarified, “My father had right-wing sympathies; as for me, this is a return to Atreju after my first time in 2021.” He expressed gratitude for the invitation extended by Giovanni Donzelli and Arianna Meloni.
When asked about his alignment with FdI, Di Maio highlighted his total synergy with other panelists at his debate, including Marco Minniti, Lorenzo Guerini, Giulio Terzi, and Salvatore Caiata, rather than with the host party itself.
Italy’s Enhanced International Image
Discussing the slogan of this year’s Atreju, “You have become strong,” in reference to Italy, Di Maio concurred, stating, “Being Italian, as institutional representatives in the Middle East, is an added value thanks to the stance taken by our country in the main regional crises. The political and governmental stability of recent years has allowed Italy to be perceived as a reliable actor.”
From his vantage point as the EU envoy to the Gulf, Di Maio noted Italy’s successful navigation of complex regional dynamics. “We have managed to maintain a credible balance between Israel’s right to security and assistance to the Palestinian people,” he explained. “This approach is recognized and appreciated by both sides.” He further cited Italy’s participation in the Aspides mission in the Red Sea as evidence of its commitment to global trade route security.
The upcoming participation of Palestinian Authority President Abu Mazen at Atreju further underscores the depth of relations between Italy and the Palestinian territories, according to Di Maio. He also highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s invitation as the sole foreign leader to the Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Bahrain, an event he believes was “widely underestimated at home.”
Leadership: The Key Differentiator for Political Parties
Di Maio, whose M5S once garnered 33% of the vote before experiencing a decline in support, drew a stark contrast with Fratelli d’Italia, which consistently polls around 30%. He attributed this divergence to a single factor: “The difference is always made by the leader.” When pressed if this was a jab at Giuseppe Conte, the current M5S leader, Di Maio responded, “It’s a matter of fact.” He added that while the parties are now at opposite ends of the political spectrum, FdI is the only Italian party with which M5S has never shared a government experience.
Future Political Prospects and Personal Mandate
Di Maio dismissed speculation of his return to active politics, particularly rumors of a move to Forza Italia, stating, “I periodically deny it.” He acknowledged Antonio Tajani’s significant work within Forza Italia.
Regarding the “Campo largo” alliance of Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte and its chances of reaching Palazzo Chigi, Di Maio remained non-committal, citing his distance from electoral dynamics. However, he saw “nothing wrong with a competition for the leadership of the center-left.”
When asked about his vote in Campania for Roberto Fico, Di Maio maintained the secrecy of his ballot but extended his best wishes to Fico, expressing hope that his endeavors would improve the region.
With his EU mandate expiring in a year, Di Maio reflected on his political future. “It is not us who decide if we are done with politics; it is the citizens who decide,” he stated. “The last time I ran, their message was unequivocal. I don’t see why I should insist.”
Source: roma.corriere.it
