Is the ‘No to rearmament’ resolution by the PD, M5S and AVS, strictly speaking, ‘exclusively’ Giuseppe Conte’s? ‘It’s not a victory, it’s not a competition,’ replies the former prime minister, slyly. In reality, however, the text signed by the broad coalition – which this time remains united – is ultimately attributed to the leader of the M5S. His supporters, as evident from their faces and smiles, are more than satisfied. In the name of unity, Conte’s line prevails, and today he will once again take centre stage with the Covid crisis.Elly Schlein has once again alienated the reformists, who have been voicing their disappointment since early this morning. Among those doing so are Lorenzo Guerini, Piero Fassino and Lia Quartapelle in the Chamber of Deputies, as well as Senators Filippo Sensi and Simona Malpezzi, who turned up bright and early in the Transatlantico. The sentiment, for all of them, is more or less the same: “There is a problem with the procedure and, in any case, this resolution cannot be put to the vote.” In the end, it won’t even be necessary, because for technical reasons the opposition’s document will not be put to the vote. The dissent, however, is reported by the news agencies: “The M5S is acting with arrogance. We cannot give in to populist impulses,” Quartapelle comments in the heat of the moment. This is also evident in the vote by the reformist faction in the Chamber of Deputies (including Merola and Carè) on the other resolutions: contrary to the Nazareno’s guidance, they vote in favour of the commitments regarding the SAFE programme contained in the documents from +Europa and Italia Viva, and abstain on the proposal from Azione. These are the fallout from what even those closest to Schlein describe as a “clever ploy by Conte”. The lawyer with the way with words, who has turned the ‘tactic of exasperation’ into an art form. But to reach Palazzo Chigi, even this must be put up with: a broad coalition, or a tight bloc, united, and the PD losing a few members. Indeed, before reaching its final version, adverbs and words are added to and removed from the resolution. The SAFE disappears. What remains on record is that the broad coalition wants the budget deviation to be used “exclusively” for social spending, welfare and energy. NATO expenditure? The 5 per cent? It must be completely reconsidered. Not a single euro for military spending. AVS is also rejoicing, as is Conte in particular, who has already made it clear that, if primaries do indeed take place, opposition to rearmament will be his banner. This is another reason why the leader of the M5S – unlike Schlein – has decided to speak in the Chamber during the explanations of vote following Giorgetti’s reply. The group leader, Ricciardi, sets the scene for him: “But is Russia really threatening us?”The former prime minister attacks Meloni following the Council of Ministers meeting and the excise duty cut: just 17 cents, whilst “you come and talk to us about 20–21 billion for military spending. It’s madness”. The former prime minister also speaks of a “war economy” (it seems he tried, unsuccessfully, to include the phrase in the resolution as well), recalling the M5S’s initiatives against NATO. And further: “A progressive government and project means a genuine alternative to the policy of rearmament”. And what of the PD secretary? Schlein chooses not to take part in the debate on the NEC. She speaks at length with Giuseppe Provenzano, trying to understand what the M5S – her ally and rival – will do. Then she slips away, and Piero De Luca and then Cecilia Guerra take the floor in the chamber. Among the reporters, there is some joking: “There’s the signal to the reformists.” The PD leader will, however, make a speech, but in the afternoon when the Chamber of Deputies debates Delmastro’s chats – the other major battle of recent days waged by Conte against the Meloni camp. And so here is the former prime minister once more, in his seat in Montecitorio, lashing out at the majority. Immediately afterwards, his supporters stage a new protest – “Out with the chats” – waving placards beneath the government benches. At the same time, protests are also taking place in the Senate; by a curious coincidence, this happens just as Francesco Boccia – the other PD member stubbornly committed to party unity – is speaking, forcing him to interrupt his speech, figures in hand, against Giorgetti (and Nec). He also rebukes the 5S, after La Russa had even had to suspend proceedings: “Personally, I would never have interrupted any colleague.” Such is the state of affairs on a day when Conte is testing his leadership credentials and, in the run-up to the primaries – which the M5S describe as “now inevitable” (and who knows if they really believe it) – he is occupying every space he can find, or that Schlein leaves vacant, whether he is a genuine or supposed unifier. The final hurrah before Ferragosto will come today, when the M5S leader is due to appear before the Covid committee – the long-awaited showdown with Meloni’s supporters, a foretaste of which has already been seen in the Chamber. But it will also be another opportunity to look back on the past, with words of appreciation extending beyond the red-and-yellow camp, at Palazzo Chigi. “We won’t bore you. The moment has finally arrived. Conte is convinced he wants to capitalise on this, including in the media.”