The anti-establishment 5-Star
Movement (M5S) is in turmoil after its poor showing in elections
in seven regions staged on Sunday and Monday.
On Tuesday influential M5S member Alessandro Di Battista said
the movement had an identity crisis after its "worst-ever
defeat".
He also complained about "excessive celebration" after the
Italian people approved a cut in the number of parliamentarians
that the M5S had pushed for in a Constitutional referendum held
on the same days as the regional elections.
That comment appeared to be dig at Foreign Minister and fellow
M5S bigwig Luigi Di Maio, who hailed the approval of the reform
as historic.
On Wednesday another top M5S figure, Lower House Speaker Roberto
Fico, responded to Di Battista, pointing out that the movement
has traditionally struggled in regional elections, where broad
coalitions usually do best.
"It is absolutely not a historic defeat for the movement," Fico
said.
"There have been (defeats like this) in the past".
The M5S was only established in 2009 after being spawned by the
blog of its founder, comedian Beppe Grillo..
It rapidly gained support on an anti-graft platform, tapping
into widespread disaffection with the established parties.
It was the biggest group in parliament after an impressive
showing in the 2018 general election.
It entered government after that election, first with the
right-wing League and now with centre-left Democratic Party and
other smaller groups.
The compromises that come with being in power seemed to have
reduced its appeal to some voters.
The M5S is set to hold an 'estates general' soon to map out a
way forward.
"We have to talk more, organize ourselves better, starting at
the local level," said Fico.
"We must hold assemblies, which could be permanent, to find a
new identity in a difficult period for the country.
"But in the meantime we move forward with this government and
this ruling majority".
Di Maio also called for dialogue on Wednesday, amid speculation
the movement could split.
"We have a lot to give the country and everyone's contribution
is needed," Di Maio said in a Facebook post.
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