Giuseppe Conte calls for centre‑left primaries as Italy reaffirms support for Ukraine

Lorenzo Guerini, deputy leader of the Democratic Party and former defence minister, said Giuseppe Conte’s remarks downplaying the Russian threat were “deeply wrong.” Guerini stressed that the Russian invasion of Ukraine, hybrid warfare and Kremlin disinformation remain a clear danger to European security and that Italy’s support for Ukraine “is not in question.”

Conte, the former prime minister, announced he will push for a primary election within the centre‑left coalition to become its candidate for the next national election. He positioned himself against PD leader Elly Schlein, claiming strong backing from party members and arguing that his experience as premier gives him the best chance to lead the coalition.