Grillo and Di Battista, each to their own

They share a combative past. Perhaps even a present, critical of the M5S. But not the future: Beppe Grillo and Alessandro Di Battista are considering it, weighing up whether to stand in the elections, but if that were indeed to happen, they probably won’t do so together. Because, politically speaking, the new Dibba doesn’t really convince the Genoese comedian.

In recent days, Grillo has sent out a few signals. The latest came yesterday, in the pages of this newspaper, addressed directly to Giuseppe Conte. “Can he go to the Quirinale? He’s capable of anything,” replied the founder of the M5S, who will return to television on Sunday 22nd, on Fabio Fazio’s programme. In September, he met Stroppa, Musk’s representative in Italy. He does not rule out a return to the political fray, perhaps to offer a response to those disappointed by the Five Star Movement’s new direction, joining forces with Matteo Renzi and what was once his main target: the much-hated PD. In Via di Campo Marzio, within the M5S, they are putting on a calm front. They are not overly concerned, bolstered by the vote of members at the end of 2024 which abolished the role of the guarantor, bringing the Grillo era to a close. They are also convinced that the legal case over the party symbol will not go far.

However, over the past week, that poll on Di Battista’s association has also stirred things up. According to Ipsos, taking a stand could be worth around 3 per cent, with potential reaching up to 13 per cent and the ability to attract a section of the current M5S electorate – in a dynamic similar to that which Grillo might set in motion. Such a move would have repercussions for the entire opposition. After all, Dibba himself has admitted that thoughts have turned to the 2027 general election. “We’d taken all the necessary steps to be ready, then something unexpected happened,” he told La7, with a smile. “What I’ll be doing over the coming months is trying to heal and strengthen the organisation so that, when the time comes to make decisions, I can do so with a clear head and choose without any preconceptions.” This has also given rise to the suggestion – the hypothesis – of an electoral alliance between Schierarsi and Grillo. But the Genoese comedian is said to harbour some mistrust and doubts about Dibba’s political project. And if he were to return to the political arena at all, he would prefer to do so with other allies. One less thing for Conte to worry about. Or perhaps two more – and by no means insignificant ones. (rdm)