Italy's Five Star Movement Ousts Founder Beppe Grillo

The party voted to abolish Grillo's role as 'Guarantor,' signaling a shift under leader Giuseppe Conte toward a progressive, left-leaning direction.

Beppe Grillo, the founder of Italy's Five Star Movement (M5S), was removed from his role as 'Guarantor' through an online vote by party members, with 63% supporting the decision.
Giuseppe Conte, former Italian Prime Minister and current leader of the party, has been pushing to transform the M5S from an anti-establishment movement to a progressive political force left of center.
Grillo had long clashed with Conte over the party's direction, accusing him of abandoning its founding principles, including its commitment to grassroots democracy.
The decision to oust Grillo follows Conte's earlier move to not renew Grillo's €300,000 annual contract as a communications consultant for the party.
Grillo has hinted at potential legal challenges, including disputes over the party's symbol and the validity of the vote, leaving the party's future direction still contested.