During a debate on Otto e mezzo, the presenter of Propaganda expressed his views on the Russian invasion and the use of weapons in war. “Italy’s history of peace also began with the partisans who went out to shoot Nazis and Fascists.” Joining him in the studio were the secretary of the Young Democrats and a long-standing Democratic Party leader.

The GD secretary, speaking out against military spending, said that “we will not be the soldiers in your wars”. Young Democrats say nothing or speak only in hushed tones: “Her words reflect a genuine concern of our generation, but working for peace does not mean shirking the responsibilities that history may place before us,” says municipal councillor Di Carlo

The secretary of the Young Democrats had said: “If these right-wing parties lead us into an armed conflict, you go ahead. Because we will organise the deserters.” According to Fabio Roscani, president of Gioventù Nazionale: “On Ukraine, the PD is trying to walk a tightrope; we stand with Kyiv, no ifs, no buts.”

Virginia Libero calls for a crackdown on military spending. Democratic Party reformists are furious. The former mayor of Bergamo distances himself from the stance, whilst Arturo Parisi calls out Schlein, and Calenda quips: “Now and forever, resistance”. What happens if young Democrats speak out on Ukraine in the same way as Conte?