In a candid interview on Mattina 5, Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement (M5S), responded to Beppe Grillo’s recent criticisms of the party’s current state. “In a sense, Grillo is right: the original movement, shaped by his communication style and Casaleggio’s intelligence, is gone. But its principles and values are not dead,” Conte declared. Addressing accusations made by Grillo on social media, Conte clarified, “The community has always seen him as the founder, and he has always been welcomed. However, his claims that he was left alone when he visited the party’s headquarters are false. He came once, and I was there with 50 or 60 parliamentarians. The problem is that he stopped coming and secluded himself at the Hotel Forum when in Rome.”
Conte delved into the reasons behind the removal of Grillo’s role as party guarantor, citing a rupture with the M5S membership. “This happened when Grillo supported the Draghi government, calling Draghi a ‘grillino’ and referring to Cingolani as the leader of ecological transition. He prioritized a personal rapport with Draghi over representing the political community. This caused significant turmoil, culminating in the decision to eliminate the guarantor role.” Conte accused Grillo of failing to recognize the grassroots-driven renewal of the movement: “This new M5S is not my party, nor is it Grillo’s. It’s a political force that aims to realize its founding principles in a more radical and forward-looking way.”
On the issue of the M5S symbol, Conte clarified that it is neither his nor Grillo’s property but belongs to the party. “Grillo doesn’t understand that he founded a political movement belonging to the community of members. If they decide to change the symbol, we will. But it’s not within Grillo’s personal control.” Conte emphasized that the renewed M5S has grown in strength since its recent constituent process, despite external challenges. “Opinion makers are missing what’s happening here: our principles have been updated and fortified. We are gaining ground in the polls, even amid attempts at sabotage,” Conte concluded.
