The article delves into the controversial history of the Italian Communist Party (Pci) during a time when it was embroiled in allegations of corruption and theft, claiming that such actions were justified for the party's cause. Prominent figures like Corrado Augias and Massimo D'Alema defended the notion that 'stealing for the party' was a noble act, contrasting it with the moral degradation of pocketing bribes. This contentious stance invites a closer look at the Pci's journey from being a powerful force in Western communism to its ideological struggles amid the broader geopolitical tensions following World War II.

Historically, the Pci was marked by internal divisions, with factions that included armed revolutionaries and staunch Stalinists. The geopolitical landscape shaped the party's strategies and ideologies, especially after the division of Europe at the Yalta Conference. The Pci emerged as one of the most influential communist parties in the West, yet it grappled with the necessity to conform to the political realities established at Yalta, which left Italian communists wary of following the same fate as their Greek counterparts, who were suppressed by British forces.

The implications of these historical narratives continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about political morality and power. The justification of unethical actions for political gain raises critical questions about the integrity of political parties and the accountability of their leaders. This examination of the Pci's past influences current perceptions of the left in Italy and its complex relationship with power and corruption.