“You die more betrayed by the sheep than torn to pieces by the wolf.” It arrives in 10 words, accompanied by the photograph of a wolf on a WhatsApp story, Beppe Grillo’s new stab in the aftermath of the defeat of the 5 Star Movement in Liguria. The M5S guarantor, who didn’t even go to vote in his region, seems to once again attack Giuseppe Conte and his loyalists, and that constituent assembly project for which he said he was rather intent on “extinguishing” the Movement. For his part, the M5S leader takes responsibility for the defeat and to those who ask him about his leadership he reiterates: “Leaderships are always under discussion when there is no consensus” and “we are holding a constituent assembly and how you know, let’s discuss everything”. Conte therefore continues: the constituent process continues and, as far as alliances are concerned, the no to Renzi remains, more clear than ever a disheartening 4.56% recorded yesterday. Abstention is certainly a problem – is the reasoning within the Movement – and for this we need a credible project and work on the contents, also in view of the regional elections in Emilia Romagna and Umbria, scheduled for November 17th and 18th.
It is no coincidence that the day after the bad evening in Liguria, the former prime minister gathered the M5S parliamentarians to take stock of the countermaneuver, while work continued in view of the constituent assembly. No tears over spilled milk is the line, even if some parliamentarians in the Transatlantic think about what happened yesterday and the rather angry comment is on the “remote toast that Grillo and Renzi will have made, after the sabotage of the Movement”. “With Renzi in Liguria the votes would have been even fewer – writes the deputy group leader in the Chamber, Agostino Santillo – And in any case governing with him means instability and absolute unreliability”. However, there is no shortage of critical voices within the party. The former minister and member of the M5S board of arbitrators, Danilo Toninelli, is harsh and, after the morning dig from the founder of the Movement, takes things further: “Grillo did very well not to go and vote, because in Liguria the 5 Star Movement wasn’t there, but Conte’s party was there.”
“The candidates were not voted by the members – he adds -, but chosen by Conte and a government contract was not made, which united the allies of the so-called progressive camp on the issues, but it was chosen to be part of it on the basis of a choice of Conte. So he didn’t lose the 5 Star Movement, but Giuseppe Conte lost.” The reply from Vice President Paola Taverna was ready: “This was not Conte’s list, but that of the M5S. And if today we have 4.5%, it probably also depends on an internal war that is doing a lot of damage to the Movement”. What is certain is that there is no shortage of concerns, and probably more than a bad mood, in the Movement, so much so that the vice president of the Senate Mariolina Castellone writes in a letter to the Huffington Post that “the Conte-Grillo war is of no benefit to anyone” , inviting us to “stop and start again from our history”. While Senator Barbara Guidolin comments on the vote in Liguria as follows: “Such low percentages are a consequence of the inability of today’s M5S to interpret the needs of the country, updating itself without denying the past. We have adapted to old political schemes following above all the principle of survival and personalism”. And to those who, in response, offer the constituent process, he replies: “Of course, but if in the end it turned out to be just a tool to change the founding rules it would be yet another defeat.”
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Elena Rossi on the Recent Turmoil in Italy’s 5-Star Movement**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Rossi. It’s great to have you with us today to discuss the latest developments in Italy’s 5-Star Movement and the tension between current leader Giuseppe Conte and party founder Beppe Grillo.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s indeed a significant moment for the 5-Star Movement, and there’s a lot to unpack.
**Host:** Let’s start with Beppe Grillo’s recent comments. He expressed feelings of betrayal following the party’s poor performance in the Liguria elections. What does this suggest about his relationship with Conte and the direction of the party?
**Dr. Rossi:** Grillo’s cryptic message—”You die more betrayed by the sheep than torn to pieces by the wolf”—highlights his discontent with the party’s current leadership. It suggests a rift between himself and Conte’s vision for the Movement. Grillo’s decision not to vote in Liguria and his subsequent remarks imply he feels that the party has strayed from its founding principles under Conte’s guidance.
**Host:** Conte has taken responsibility for the election loss, indicating that leadership discussions are inevitable when there’s a lack of consensus. What do you make of his approach?
**Dr. Rossi:** Conte’s acknowledgment of the need for a “constituent assembly” signals his intention to reformulate the party’s strategy and address the evident discontent among members. His focus on consensus-building is crucial—however, it will be challenging to unify various factions within the Movement, especially with Grillo’s criticism looming over him. Conte is trying to create a more inclusive dialogue, but it will require extensive effort to regain trust.
**Host:** There are mentions of upcoming regional elections in Emilia Romagna and Umbria. How critical do you think these elections are for the future of the 5-Star Movement?
**Dr. Rossi:** These elections are vital. They will serve as a litmus test for the party’s new direction and for Conte’s leadership. A poor performance could further undermine his position and embolden dissenters within the party. Conversely, a successful showing could help solidify his leadership and push the reform agenda forward. The stakes are high.
**Host:** do you think Grillo’s influence is waning within the party, or could we see a comeback?
**Dr. Rossi:** Grillo’s position as the founder gives him a lasting legacy and influence, but his public dissent could alienate voters who crave stability and a clear direction. While he may remain a significant figure, his methods and narrative may not resonate well with the more contemporary electorate. However, if discontent grows among the rank and file, he could certainly find an opportunity to reassert himself.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how the 5-Star Movement navigates this internal struggle and the upcoming elections.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you. It’s certainly a pivotal time for Italian politics, and I’ll be following the developments closely.