Overview
- Beppe Grillo published a long, sharply critical blog post on Wednesday accusing the Movimento 5 Stelle of losing the diversity and identity that once set it apart.
- Grillo says the party shifted from listening to citizens to following opinion polls and protecting seats, arguing that this careerism replaced the Movement’s original focus on long-term policy.
- He recalled core early proposals—basic income (reddito di cittadinanza), a two-term limit, restitution of funds, direct democracy and an ecological transition—and said they have become slogans rather than enforced policies.
- Grillo framed his critique as a warning about a deeper crisis of the Western democratic model, citing unmanaged migration, the risk of citizens turning to authoritarian alternatives, and the social impact of artificial intelligence.
- National outlets widely reproduced the post and no substantive response from M5S leadership has been reported, a development that could prompt internal debate and public pressure to restore participatory digital tools and clearer policy commitments.