NATO chief’s remarks on Ukraine strikes spark
political tensions in Italy
27 May 2024
Decode39
https://decode39.com/9078/nato-chiefs-remarks-on-ukraine-strikes-sparks-political-tensions-in-italy/
Secretary
General Stoltenberg calls for allies to allow Kyiv to use supplied weapons
against Russian targets. Following criticisms within the government, PM Meloni
urges prudence and labels as “irresponsible” those perpetuating the alarming
narrative of a Europe on the brink of a broad conflict. According to Fabrizio
Coticchia, a political science professor at the University of Genoa, the
Italian government’s stance reflects “continuity with the past, characterised
by prudence and attention to public opinion
Hit them at
home. In an interview with The Economist, NATO Secretary General Jens
Stoltenberg urged allies to lift restrictions on the use of weapons supplied to
Ukraine for attacking military targets inside Russia. This option, requested by
the Ukrainians, has been repeatedly blocked by NATO members.
This
statement came after the New York Times reported that the US administration was
considering easing restrictions on striking Russian targets within Russian
territory. Reuters reported that Ukraine was discussing the matter with Western
counterparts.
The
reactions. Stoltenberg’s words entered the political debate, with the Italian
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini expressing his
disagreement with the NATO Secretary General’s position.
“Italy is
not at war with anyone, and if it was right to help Ukraine militarily, then it
is also necessary to prohibit Kyiv from striking military targets in Russia,”
he said. Salvini also called on Stoltenberg to either apologise or resign.
Deputy
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also commented on
Stoltenberg’s words, urging allies, including Salvini, to make a “collective
decision” on the matter and noting that the military equipment sent by Italy
was being used inside Ukraine.
Tajani’s
words were echoed by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, who pointed out that
NATO’s decision-makers are the member states and that a collective approach
must be maintained.
In Giorgia
Meloni’s (ultimate) words. “I believe that we must be prudent, but I also
believe that it is right for NATO to remain firm,” the Prime Minister said on
Sunday. The “alarming tale of a Europe on the brink of a broad conflict” is
“counterproductive,” Meloni added. Those who feed this narrative are
“irresponsible.”
“Deterrence
is the only remedy; if we speak of a diplomatic route, it is because up to now,
we have maintained a balance of forces,” the PM added, recalling the Latin
motto “If you want peace, prepare for war.”
Professor
Coticchia’s comments. According to Fabrizio Coticchia, a professor of political
science at the University of Genoa, the Italian government’s stance is in
“continuity with the past, consisting of prudence and attention to public
opinion.” As the professor explains, this means support for the demands of
Ukraine and its allies (sanctions and aid, albeit limited) but with a low
profile and rhetoric focused on diplomatic efforts and opposition to the risks
of escalation.
Indeed,
Italy recently announced the ninth military assistance package to Ukraine,
following the long-term security agreement signed with Ukraine in February to
help the country strengthen its defences, support its defence industry and
counter hybrid threats.
Lorenzo
Cesa, chairman of the Italian Parliament’s delegation to the NATO Parliamentary
Assembly, told our sister company that the NATO secretary’s proposal would
rebalance the ground forces currently skewed towards Russia.
Stressing
the political realism, Cesa concluded: “Italy, like all other NATO countries,
must fulfil its commitments to send aid and weapons through bilateral
agreements. This should not only be done by Italy, but also by all other
countries. Only in this way can we hope to find a solution.”
Elections
and Realpolitik. In the run-up to the European elections in June, the
self-declared pacifist front led by the 5-Star Movement, led by former Prime
Minister Giuseppe Conte, is very vocal in its opposition to military supplies
to Ukraine.
In this
environment, Conte is trying to gain space in opposition by exploiting the
silence of the Democratic Party, led by Elly Schlein. In the European
elections, they ran candidates who were both staunchly Atlanticist and
pro-Ukraine and “pacifist” figures.
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