Italy: Opposition divided over Russian ambassador hearing

Rome: A proposal by the Five Star Movement to invite Russian Ambassador Alexey Paramonov to a Senate hearing on foreign interference has sparked a political firestorm in Italy. The Democratic Party strongly rejected the idea, accusing M5S leader Giuseppe Conte of pushing a pro-Moscow agenda.

A contentious debate has arisen between Italy’s two principal opposition parties centred on the proposal to include the Russian ambassador, Alexey Paramonov, in a series of hearings on foreign interference in Italy in the Senate.

The Democratic Party (PD), under Elly Schlein’s leadership, clashed with the Five Star Movement (M5S), led by Giuseppe Conte, after the latter asked for the diplomat to be invited to testify in the upper house.

Oppositional stance. Senator Filippo Sensi of the PD took to X to criticise the initiative, arguing that anyone representing Vladimir Putin’s Russia should be heard by an international tribunal, not in the Italian Senate.

European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno, also from the PD, condemned the invitation to Paramonov, arguing it showcased a political strategy by M5S and its leader, Conte, to rehabilitate the aggressor and further insult those already victimised.

Internal political faultlines. This controversy reflects broader fractures within Italy’s political landscape.

The PD, navigating internal tensions on foreign policy under Schlein’s leadership, contrasts sharply with the M5S.

Notably, the M5S and the League—currently in government under the coalition led by Matteo Salvini—are increasingly aligning on foreign policy matters that are soft on Russia and critical of Ukraine.

This convergence harks back to the period when they were in government under Giuseppe Conte, when they adopted pro-China and pro-Russia stances.

Such divisions underscore the underlying strategic debate on whether Italy should continue championing a robust transatlantic line or explore alternative alignments.