For years, Italy’s Five Star Movement was one of the most successful anti-establishment parties in Europe. Founded in 2009 by comedian-turned-political guru Beppe Grillo and late web strategist Gianroberto Casaleggio, it took Italy by storm: After winning power in several major cities, including Rome, it became the largest group in Parliament after the 2018 national elections. With a focus on fighting corruption, protecting the environment, and promoting direct democracy, it seemed on track to sweep away the old political system.
Now, the Five Star Movement is abandoning its populist patina to carve out for itself a place in the Italian political mainstream—if it can.
