The political landscape in Rome is once again witnessing a curious alignment between two prominent figures: Giuseppe Conte of the Five Star Movement (M5S) and Matteo Salvini of the Lega. Despite their past political clashes and the dramatic end of their ‘government of change’ from 2018-2019, the two leaders are increasingly echoing each other’s sentiments on critical issues, creating a sense of ‘yellow-green nostalgia’ in the Italian capital.
Shared Sentiments on Ukraine and European Policy
The convergence is particularly striking on foreign policy matters. Both Conte and Salvini have been vocal critics of Europe’s handling of the conflict in Ukraine. Phrases such as “Europe has failed on Ukraine: now only Trump should negotiate” and “Instead of spending money on rearmament, it’s better to invest in healthcare” have been attributed to both, highlighting their shared skepticism towards current European strategies and military spending. Their consistent opposition to the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and their frequent jabs at Brussels, particularly targeting figures like Ursula von der Leyen, further underscore their similar political leanings. Even their past nuanced views on Vladimir Putin and their reservations about aid to Ukraine’s Zelensky, due to what they perceive as questionable associates, reveal a parallel approach to international relations.
An Uncanny Coincidence or a Deliberate Strategy?
This recurring alignment poses a significant challenge to their respective coalition leaders, Giorgia Meloni of Fratelli d’Italia and Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party. Both Meloni and Schlein are forced to contend with these internal ‘disruptors’ who, from time to time, appear to be in sync. While Meloni often dismisses these differences as a sign of a non-authoritarian center-right, and Schlein emphasizes the need for unity, the persistent nature of this dynamic is undoubtedly a source of frustration for their party loyalists.
According to Tiberio Brunetti, founder of Spin Factor, a social media dynamics expert, there’s a “sociodemographic convergence in their user base.” Contrary to popular belief, the followers of Conte and Salvini are “substantially overlapping in terms of gender and age: over 65% are men, and seven out of ten are in the 18-34 age bracket.” This suggests that both leaders, despite their different political platforms, are addressing similar generational concerns and “digital fears.” This shared audience partially explains their synchronized positions on Ukraine, European rearmament, the role of Trump, and security issues.
The Enduring Bond and its Political Implications
Beyond the strategic calculations, there’s a historical connection between the two. Conte ascended to the premiership with Salvini’s backing, and Salvini’s Lega reached its peak electoral performance during the first Conte government. Their political journey has been marked by highs and lows, alliances and betrayals, including their synchronized efforts to bring down the Draghi government and their failed attempts to influence presidential elections. Meloni and Schlein, while outwardly composed, are acutely aware that their political ecosystems must accommodate these two figures, who bring distinct perspectives to the table.
Salvini, for instance, had expressed a desire to confront Conte at the Atreju festival over the ‘Open Arms’ incident, a past point of contention. However, the complexities of political alliances often lead to unexpected reconciliations, even if for strategic reasons. This ongoing dance between Conte and Salvini highlights a deeper trend in Italian politics: the enduring influence of populist sentiments and a certain nostalgia for a time when ‘no arms’ and ‘no Europe’ were more dominant political narratives.
The question remains whether this renewed alignment is merely a tactical maneuver by secondary figures seeking to gain space, or if it reflects a more profound, underlying political current that continues to shape Italian public opinion and policy.
