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[POLITICS] · Italy · 21 sources

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Virginia Libero sparks debate with call to organize war deserters

Virginia Libero, leader of the Giovani Democratici, has sparked intense political debate following her speech at the Festa dell’Unità in Reggio Emilia. Libero stated, “We will not be the soldiers of your wars. If these rights-wing forces lead us to a real conflict, you go to arms. Because we will organize the deserters.”

Her comments, which center on pacifism and a rejection of military escalation, have divided the Partito Democratico (PD). While some figures, such as deputy Laura Boldrini, defended her as a voice for a generation that repudiates war, others criticized the rhetoric. Libero later clarified in an interview with Repubblica that her pacifist stance does not imply equidistance regarding the war in Ukraine, stating, “We know which side to take, on the side of Ukraine. And I condemn Putin.”

The controversy has also touched on internal party dynamics and the interpretation of constitutional duties regarding national defense.

Entities

Elly Schlein · Giovani Democratici · Laura Boldrini · Partito Democratico · Virginia Libero

Claims

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Sources

Il discorso di Libero [transform-italia.it]