Five Star Movement split over broad coalition with Italy's Democratic Party

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is working to keep the Five Star Movement (M5S) aligned with a broad coalition that includes Italy's Democratic Party (PD). Tensions are rising within the party over defence spending and the direction of the alliance. Former M5S leader Alessandro Di Battista is re‑emerging, while Roberto Vannacci is courting voters disappointed with the movement's origins. Party mediators such as Riccardo Ricciardi, Michele Gubitosa and Francesco Silvestri are handling talks with the PD, supported by figures like Paola Taverna and ex‑minister Stefano Patuanelli. Gaetano Manfredi, mayor of Naples, also acts as a bridge between the two forces. In parallel, PD leader Elly Schlein must manage a reformist minority as Conte urges allies to back his leadership in the coalition.

The internal debate threatens the stability of the proposed "campo largo" and could shape Italy's political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.