„We need to renegotiate some EU rules, but not in an in/out referendum,“ he said, noting that the U.K.‘s decision to leave the EU had „weakened“ the bloc.

The 5-Star Movement has repeatedly stated in the past that it would like to hold a referendum on euro zone membership and new leader Di Maio has echoed that perspective as recently as December. As the election on March 4 approaches, however, he appeared to have changed his mind.

When asked Wednesday if a M5S-led government would hold a vote on euro zone membership, Di Maio said he „wouldn‘t even contemplate that last resort.“