Giuseppe Conte: From Law Professor to Prime Minister
Giuseppe Conte, a relatively unknown law professor before entering politics, unexpectedly became Italy’s Prime Minister in June 2018. His rise to power was a product of the unusual political landscape that followed the inconclusive 2018 general election, which saw the surge of populist parties.
Born in Volturara Appula, Apulia, in 1964, Conte pursued a distinguished academic career. He graduated in law from the Sapienza University of Rome and went on to specialize in civil and commercial law. He held professorships at various Italian universities, including the University of Florence and LUISS Guido Carli University in Rome. He also spent time as a visiting scholar at prestigious international institutions like Yale Law School and Cambridge University. Prior to entering the political sphere, Conte’s professional life revolved primarily around academia and legal practice.
The 2018 election produced a hung parliament, with neither the center-left nor the center-right coalitions securing a majority. This paved the way for the unprecedented coalition between the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the right-wing League. Conte was nominated as their compromise candidate for Prime Minister, a figure seen as acceptable to both parties despite his lack of prior political experience. Initially perceived as a technocrat acting on behalf of the coalition leaders, Luigi Di Maio (Five Star Movement) and Matteo Salvini (League), Conte gradually asserted his own authority.
During his first premiership, which lasted until August 2019, Conte navigated the often-turbulent relationship between the Five Star Movement and the League. Key policies during this period included the “Citizens’ Income,” a basic income scheme championed by the Five Star Movement, and stricter immigration laws pushed by Salvini. The coalition ultimately collapsed due to internal disagreements, particularly over infrastructure projects.
In September 2019, Conte formed a new government, this time with the center-left Democratic Party (PD) and Italia Viva, another centrist party, replacing the League. This marked a significant shift in the political landscape. The focus of this second Conte government shifted towards European integration and green policies. However, it was the COVID-19 pandemic that dominated his second term. Conte’s government implemented strict lockdowns and social distancing measures to combat the spread of the virus, actions that were largely supported by the public initially but later faced increasing criticism. The handling of the pandemic and the subsequent economic fallout proved immensely challenging.
Conte’s second government eventually collapsed in January 2021 due to internal political tensions, particularly with Italia Viva. He resigned as Prime Minister and was succeeded by Mario Draghi. Despite his relatively short time in office, Giuseppe Conte left a notable mark on Italian politics, demonstrating a capacity to adapt to complex political situations and navigate challenging circumstances. After his time as prime minister, he became the leader of the Five Star Movement, solidifying his position as a significant figure in Italian politics.