The 5 Star Movement (M5S), a party founded by comedian Beppe Grillo, took a turn in its trajectory by breaking with its founder and adopting an “independent progressive” line.
In an assembly held this Sunday (24), the party approved changes that expand the autonomy of leader Giuseppe Conte, eliminate the position of “guarantor” previously occupied by Grillo and relax the rules for political alliances and mandates.
End of the guarantor position and new directions for the M5S
At a meeting held last Sunday (24), 62% of members voted to eliminate the position of “guarantor”, previously held by Grillo. This role gave the founder the power to interpret the party’s statute and even remove the party’s president.
With the decision, the function will be replaced by a collegiate elected by the members, granting greater autonomy to Giuseppe Conte, former Prime Minister of Italy, who has led the M5S since 2021.
“We thought of this constituent assembly to chart a new course, to listen to the grassroots, despite the divisions and betrayals of some who had contributed to the dream. The fire is alive and remains within us,” Conte said, according to the Ansa news agency.
Adaptation to political demands
Other approved changes include:
- The end of the rule that limited party members to two consecutive terms, allowing up to three.
- Permission for alliances with other parties, provided there is a clear programmatic agreement, approved by 92,4% of voters.
- The party's official declaration as “independent progressive”, breaking with its traditional anti-establishment position.
Grillo, critical of many of these changes, saw his ideas lose ground in the new M5S.
From anti-system phenomenon to the search for relevance
O M5S was the most voted party in the 2018 elections, breaking with the traditional polarization between right and left. However, it has lost support in recent years, both from Eurosceptic and progressive voters.
The renewal, now led by Conte, seeks to strengthen alliances, especially with the Democratic Party (PD), as a way to challenge the right-wing coalition led by the prime minister. Giorgia Meloni.
“We are progressive insofar as we do not belong to the reactionary culture,” said Conte, who has assumed the role of articulator to confront the dominance of the right.
The party created by comedian Beppe Grillo becomes left-wing.
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