Italia Viva signs a resolution with the broad coalition calling for a ‘no’ to the increase in military spending. And Conte rejoices: “Our line has prevailed.”

The broad, very broad political spectrum has found common ground. At least on economic matters. This morning, the Chamber of Deputies approved the Public Finance Policy Document and the budget deviation. Following the hearing with Giancarlo Giorgetti (in a deserted chamber, with only around nine deputies listening – a source of embarrassment for the Minister for the Economy), the deputies discussed the resolutions tabled. The centre-right tabled two joint motions (on the Public Finance Policy Document and the budget deviation). In the end, the centre-left also managed to close ranks: with a motion that, in addition to being backed by the PD, M5S and AVS, also had the support of Italia Viva and +Europa.

Among other things, the text emphasises a resounding ‘no’ to increased military spending, a commitment made by our country within NATO. This is a stance more typical of AVS and the Five Star Movement than of Matteo Renzi and Riccardo Magi. Indeed, the leader of the Five Star Movement, Giuseppe Conte, exults: ‘We are truly proud to have united the opposition behind our rejection of rearmament. Weapons do not feed Italians, nor do they provide them with healthcare. The solution is clear: we must recoup the money from rearmament and from the windfall profits of banks and energy giants to invest in healthcare and education, to lower real wages, and to support families and businesses struggling with the high cost of living and soaring utility bills.”

But tomorrow – when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addresses the European Council – the centre-left will, barring any incredible surprises, once again be divided on the very issue of rearmament. In this instance, in fact, the resolutions will be separate. Today, at least, the aim was to show unity. All the more so given that it was not possible to vote on the resolution: the Chamber of Deputies approved only those from the centre-right (as well as the Dpfp with 219 votes in favour); the others (including those from Azione) – in accordance with the rules of procedure – were excluded, as they were tabled on the same subject on which the Chamber had already voted.

“Today we have found a unified framework that brings together criticisms of the Meloni government’s economic model whilst proposing solutions,” Raffaella Paita, a senator for Italia Viva, told Il Foglio. Moreover, as several parliamentary sources have told Il Foglio, the document was the result of “long, very long negotiations, which were finally resolved last night”. This was particularly true of the most decisive commitment, the second one. Read it: “The Chamber calls on the government to radically reconsider the spending commitments made within NATO and to prevent further increases in expenditure on weapons systems that weigh on the state budget.”

The Green and Left Alliance has welcomed Italia Viva’s endorsement with surprise and as a very positive sign. There is a desire to be recognised as reliable allies of the opposition. But Paita goes on to explain to our newspaper that, ultimately, the text reflects Italia Viva’s position: “In the preamble, there is a passage on the need to strengthen European defence and to create a common army, a concept we have always supported.” And indeed, it reads:

“It’s clear that the text isn’t what we’d call perfect, but it covers a range of issues on which we’ve always been in agreement and which form a basis on which to build an alternative,” says the IV senator. “And then look at the centre-right – read their resolution.” Why? “They’re divided on everything, but do you see any mention of those divisions in the text? We must do the same – not let divisions show. The difference is that we bring substance, whereas they write practically nothing in their resolutions." There is also satisfaction amongst the other parties in the progressive alliance. “I’m very pleased,” says Vittoria Baldino of the Five Star Movement: “We must win the elections.” One word. “It’s a step forward,” commented Lorenzo Guerini, whilst admitting that “there were some ambiguous passages. But for today, that’s fine.”

For today, at least. Tomorrow is another day, and each party will look after its own interests. When Prime Minister Meloni addresses both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, the opposition parties will be divided, with separate motions.  “There isn’t time to reach a consensus for tomorrow,” say other representatives. The issue causing the divide, they explain, is always the same: Ukraine. And tomorrow, unlike today, the resolutions will not be precluded, but will be voted on separately.