The 5 Star Movement and the Greens and Left Alliance questioned the prioritisation of defence spending over crucial domestic issues like education and healthcare. The Democratic Party remains silent
The PM’s defence pledge. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently confirmed Italy’s commitment to spending 2% of its GDP on defence, as agreed upon at the NATO summit in Washington, D.C. This has led to sharp criticism from the Italian left.
- At the summit, Meloni reiterated Italy’s commitment to meet the 2% defence spending goal, albeit “according to the times and possibilities we have.”
- Currently, Italy only spends 1.46% of its GDP on defence.
- Meloni also took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of investing in defence for national security and to highlight Italy’s significant contributions to NATO missions and peace operations, showcasing the high demand for Italian expertise.
Left demands accountability. The 5 Star Movement (M5S) and the Greens and Left Alliance (AVS) oppose the government’s position, demanding immediate accountability and clarity in parliament.
- Francesco Silvestri, the leader of the M5S group in the Chamber, emphasised that NATO has approved its most extensive defence plan since the Cold War, committing member countries to providing Ukraine with $45 billion in weapons.
- He criticised this move, describing it as “totally insane” and accusing the government of escalating tensions with Russia by using Ukrainian forces without informing parliament. He called for the government to address parliament immediately regarding these decisions.
- Angelo Bonelli of AVS echoed these sentiments, questioning the government’s prioritisation of defence spending over crucial domestic issues such as education and healthcare. He urged Prime Minister Meloni to explain how these military investments will be funded, given the apparent neglect of other vital sectors.
A loud silence. Meanwhile, the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) has remained noticeably silent on the issue.
- As the leading party in a potential centre-left coalition with M5S and AVS, its caution in releasing a statement thus far suggests internal deliberations or strategic positioning in response to Meloni’s defence commitments.
- The PD’s lack of a clear stance highlights the complexity and potential divisions within Italy’s broader left-leaning political spectrum.
