Weekend marked by the results of the votes within the Constituent Assembly of the M5S. In addition to the numerous changes to the statute approved by the voters – among the most talked about, for understandable reasons, are the end of the two-term limit and the elimination of the figure of the guarantor – the undisputed leadership of the 5 Star Movement now remains in the hands of Giuseppe Contewhich as transpired from the first declarations, intends to affirm a progressive party open to alliances, as long as they are based on clear, precise programmatic agreements, in order to avoid generalist political compromises.
After the joke about the Franciscans and Jesuits, the first rumors about the next intentions of Beppe Grillowho, supported by various loyalists of the first hour of the M5S (including Di Battista, Raggi and Toninelli) seems intent on giving life to the hypothesis of a new political creature, without excluding the option of a legal war on the symbol, which could already be under evaluation. For a chapter that closes, therefore, others still open to be written.
Europe, green light for Fitto
In Brussels, meanwhile, during the week, an agreement was finally reached between Popolari and Socialists on von der Leyen’s team after the clash over the executive vice-presidencies, assigning Raffaele Fitto, together with the Spanish Teresa Ribera, the green light from the European Parliament which allows him to obtain the position of Executive Vice President. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 27 November, when the vote of confidence will be held in Strasbourg for the new Commission, whose installation will take place on 1 December.
Meloni at the G20 in Rio
In the meantime, overseas, Meloni takes stock of the main international dossiers at the G20 in Rio – focus on Ukraine, the Middle East and the fight against hunger – followed by a visit to the Argentine President Milei, sharing the themes on which the strategic alliance will be structured on the two countries, also on the basis of the identification of the numerous “common points to defend the identity of the West in dramatically difficult times”.
Regionals, the victory of the center-left and the KO of the M5S
The regional elections in Emilia Romagna and Umbria recorded a double victory for the centre-left, in the first case confirming the leadership of the region with Michele De Pascale and in the second case taking it away from the center-right with the victory of Stefania Proietti.
Numerous points for reflection emerged from this electoral outcome, first of all the return of a disheartening figure on the low turnout, which if in Umbria it just exceeded 50%, in Emilia it did not even reach half of those entitled to vote.
Furthermore, net of the result of the winning side, in both regions the consensus towards the 5 Star Movement collapsed, which stopped below 5%, while looking at the centre-right, Fratelli d’Italia and Forza Italia kept their consensus stable , unlike the League which recorded somewhat disappointing results – but not without generating repercussions on the national scene.
In fact, if the reform road map remains untouched, it is on the changes to be introduced to the Budget Law during the parliamentary examination that the tone could flare up again.
beppe grillo Elections giorgia meloni giuseppe conte M5S raffaele busy political week
**How might Giuseppe Conte’s vision for a progressive Five Star Movement, open to alliances, reshape the Italian political landscape and challenge traditional party structures?**
## This Week in Politics: A World Today News Roundtable
**Introduction**
Welcome to This Week in Politics, a World Today News roundtable discussion unpacking the biggest political stories of the week.
Joining us today are two esteemed guests:
* **Dr. Sofia Rossi**, Professor of Political Science at the University of Rome, specializing in Italian political movements and populism.
* **Mr. Alessandro Bianchi**, Political Journalist for *Il Corriere della Sera*, with extensive experience covering European politics and the EU.
**I. The Future of the Five Star Movement:**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Rossi, the Five Star Movement has undergone a significant internal shakeup this week. How do you interpret the changes to theparty statute, especially the removal of the two-term limit and the guarantor figure?
**Dr. Rossi:**
*Answers regarding the implications of the changes on the party’s future direction, potential impact on internal power dynamics, and the wider implications for Italian politics.*
**Interviewer:** Mr. Bianchi, Giuseppe Conte has emerged as the undisputed leader of the Five Star Movement. What are his likely strategies for the party moving forward, and how might his vision for a progressive party open to alliances reshape the Italian political landscape?
**Mr. Bianchi:**
*Answers focusing on Conte’s political agenda, his potential coalition partners and the challenges he faces in finding common ground while upholding progressive values.*
**Interviewer:** Dr. Rossi, there are whispers of a new political entity forming around Beppe Grillo. What are your thoughts on this development? Could it pose a challenge to the Five Star Movement or become a significant force in Italian politics itself?
**Dr. Rossi:**
*Answers exploring the potential impact of a new Grillo-backed party, the likelihood of a legal battle over the Five Star Movement’s symbol, and possible alliances or rivalries with existing parties.*
**II. Europe and Italy on the Global Stage:**
**Interviewer:** Mr. Bianchi, Raffaele Fitto secured the position of Executive Vice President in the new European Commission. Where do you see Italy’s priorities within this commission, and how might Fitto’s appointment influence policy decisions on issues like climate change and migration?
**Mr. Bianchi:**
*Answers regarding Fitto’s potential impact on EU policy directives, the challenges he might face within the commission, and Italy’s position on key issues.*
**Interviewer:** Prime Minister Meloni has been actively engaging in international diplomacy. What are your thoughts on her recent trip to the G20 and her subsequent meeting with Argentine President Milei? How might these interactions shape Italy’s foreign policy agenda?
**Dr. Rossi:**
*Answers analyzing Meloni’s diplomatic strategy, the significance of her meeting with Milei, and potential implications for Italy’s relationships within the Western world and beyond.*
**III: Regional Elections and the Italian Political Landscape:**
**Interviewer:** Both Emilia Romagna and Umbria saw victories for the center-left in this week’s regional elections. Mr. Bianchi, what are the key takeaways from these results? How should we interpret the low voter turnout and the 5 Star Movement’s performance?
**Mr. Bianchi:**
*Answers considering the broader implications of the election results on national politics, the ongoing debate about voter apathy, and the challenges facing the M5S in maintaining its relevance.*
**Interviewer:** Dr. Rossi, the League party experienced a setback in these regional elections. What are the potential ramifications of this outcome for the national government and its reform agenda?
**Dr. Rossi:**
*Answers discussing the potential impact on the League’s position within the governing coalition, the possibility of internal tensions, and the implications for the government’s legislative priorities.*
**Conclusion**
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for your insightful analysis. This week has certainly brought significant developments in Italian and European politics, leaving us with many questions about what the future holds. World Today News will continue to provide in-depth coverage of these crucial events. Stay tuned for further analysis and updates.
