Italian M5S split as two deputies join Controcorrente, sparking public feud

Two deputies of the Movimento 5 Stelle – Josè Marano and Carlo Gilistro – announced their departure from the party to join the regional movement Controcorrente, led by Ismaele La Vardera. The switch was communicated through a video posted on social media by La Vardera during a coalition meeting, without prior discussion with the M5S group.

M5S deputy Luigi Sunseri condemned the manner of the announcement, calling it “one of the most petty episodes” of his ten‑year political career and urging that trust within the centre‑left alliance be built through dialogue and transparency, even proposing that coalition talks be streamed live. La Vardera replied that Sunseri’s accusations were false, defended his movement’s representation in the coalition, and reiterated calls for open regional tables.

The dispute underscores strained relations between the M5S and Controcorrente ahead of upcoming regional elections in Sicily, highlighting internal tensions within the broader centre‑left bloc.