Beppe Grillo targets M5S symbol and challenges Conte leadership

Beppe Grillo, the founder of the Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S), is preparing a significant political return following a period of public silence. Much of the current speculation centers on his upcoming appearance on the Pulp Podcast, hosted by Fedez and Mr. Marra, scheduled for September 21.

Grillo is reportedly engaged in a legal battle to reclaim the name and symbol of the M5S, with a court hearing in Rome set for January. His recent social media activity, specifically a WhatsApp status reading ‘Movimento Zero Stelle’ (Zero Star Movement), has fueled rumors that he may launch an independent political list positioned to the left of the current progressive coalition to challenge the leadership of Giuseppe Conte.

While some reports suggest the formation of a new party, other sources clarify that Grillo’s primary focus remains the legal fight for the original movement's identity. The political tension is compounded by new electoral laws in Italy that increase the number of signatures required for non-parliamentary groups to participate in elections, raising the threshold from 1,500 to 6,000 signatures per constituency.