Pina Picierno, the Vice President of the European Parliament, is at the center of a storm within the Democratic Party (PD) following her controversial meeting with representatives of the Israel Defense and Security Forum (Idsf), a far-right think tank. The meeting, which took place on November 20, 2024, has ignited fierce criticism from various factions within her party, leading to a significant schism over foreign policy and the party's stance on Israel and Palestine.
Published on March 28, 2025, the controversy erupted after it was revealed that Picierno met with the Idsf, an organization comprising over 35,000 reserve and active Israeli security forces personnel. The Idsf is known for its strong support of the Netanyahu government and its opposition to the two-state solution, which has been a cornerstone of international diplomacy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Several PD parliamentarians, including Andrea Orlando, Susanna Camusso, Laura Boldrini, Arturo Scotto, and Nico Stumpo, expressed their discontent with Picierno's actions. They issued a statement declaring, "We find the presence of an organization like Idsf in the register of accredited lobbyists at the Brussels parliament incompatible with EU values. We also believe that maintaining any relationship with such entities is incompatible with the policies of the PD." They urged political figures who have engaged with Idsf to distance themselves from those undermining political solutions to the conflict.
In contrast, reformist members of the PD, including Filippo Sensi and Simona Malpezzi, rallied in support of Picierno. Sensi criticized the treatment Picierno has received, stating, "She has the integrity and intelligence to meet with whomever she chooses without undergoing public trials, both inside and outside the party." Malpezzi echoed this sentiment, arguing that institutional meetings should not be conflated with political statements.
Picierno defended her meeting with Idsf, asserting that it was part of her role as Vice President of the European Parliament, tasked with addressing anti-Semitism and engaging with various stakeholders. She stated, "I have always condemned the criminal right wing of Netanyahu and fought against rampant anti-Semitism. My meeting with Idsf was to discuss how the cruelty of war is dragging Israel to the wrong side of history." Picierno emphasized her commitment to the recognition of a Palestinian state and the advancement of the rule of law to isolate terrorist groups like Hamas.
However, the Five Star Movement (M5s) seized upon the controversy, accusing Picierno of aligning with the same foreign policy doctrine as the right-wing parties Fratelli d'Italia and Lega. They criticized her for legitimizing an organization that supports military actions against Palestinians, calling for a clear stance on Palestinian rights in the European Parliament.
The M5s is preparing for a demonstration against European rearmament scheduled for April 5, 2025, in Rome, further complicating the political landscape for the PD. As tensions rise, the PD has yet to decide whether to send a delegation to the protest, with indications that party leader Elly Schlein is leaning towards abstaining.
Lorenzo Guerini, president of Copasir, voiced his criticism of the ReArm Eu plan, emphasizing the need for national military upgrades. He noted that the M5s platform is far removed from PD's positions, indicating a growing divide between the two parties.
In the backdrop of these political maneuvers, the internal conflict within the PD is becoming increasingly apparent. The party’s unity, which appeared to have been restored after previous tensions, is once again under strain. The criticism directed at Picierno highlights the ongoing struggle within the PD to reconcile differing views on foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine.
As the debate continues, the impact of Picierno's meeting with Idsf raises critical questions about the future direction of the PD and its ability to maintain a cohesive stance on international issues. The division within the party over such a significant issue underscores the challenges faced by political leaders in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes while balancing the diverse perspectives within their ranks.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Pina Picierno's meeting with the Israel Defense and Security Forum not only reflects the internal divisions within the Democratic Party but also poses a significant challenge to the party's coherence on foreign policy. As tensions escalate, the PD must address these fractures to present a united front on issues that resonate deeply with their constituents and the broader international community.
