Italy: Discord Within the Five Star Movement

Earlier this year, the Five Star Movement emerged as a key protagonist in Italian politics. With a message that was deeply critical of the traditional political elites and included subtle Euroskeptical references, the movement became attractive to millions of Italians who were tired of the mainstream parties and were suffering the negative effects of the austerity measures implemented by previous governments.

Under the charismatic leadership of former comedian Beppe Grillo, the Five Star Movement received the most votes of any single party in the Chamber of Deputies during the general elections held in February. But a mere four months after this electoral success, the movement is mired in internal disputes that threaten to destroy it.