Five Star Movement
A clear guide to Five Star Movement (M5S) in Italy: its history, populism ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Italy
- Founded
- 2009
- Position
- Centre-left (syncretic in origin)
- Leader
- Giuseppe Conte
- Headquarters
- Rome
The Five Star Movement (Movimento 5 Stelle, M5S) began as an anti-establishment movement that rejected the left-right divide. Since 2022, under former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, it has moved toward the left, and in 2024 its members voted to describe themselves as "independent progressives". It is in opposition and often cooperates with the Democratic Party.
History
The movement was launched in 2009 by comedian Beppe Grillo and web strategist Gianroberto Casaleggio, built around online participation, anti-corruption campaigns and environmental themes. It won 25.6 percent in 2013 and became the largest single party in 2018 with 32.7 percent.
It then governed with the League and later with the PD, with Conte as prime minister from 2018 to 2021. After splits and a fall in support, Conte took over the leadership, and in 2024 members removed Grillo's role as guarantor.
Economic Policy
The M5S introduced the citizens' income, a minimum income scheme, and the "Superbonus" tax credit for energy-efficient renovations. It favours a minimum wage, public investment and stronger welfare.
Foreign Policy
The M5S is critical of increased defence spending and of sending weapons to Ukraine, favouring diplomacy. It sits with The Left group in the European Parliament.
Where They Stand
- Defends the citizens' income and supports a minimum wage
- Opposes higher military spending and further arms deliveries to Ukraine
- Emphasises environmental protection and renewable energy
- Favours cuts to politicians' pay and privileges
- Promotes participation and online votes by members
Electoral Record
After its 2018 peak, the M5S fell to 15.4 percent in 2022 and 10 percent in the 2024 European election.
Position on the Political Compass
Five Star Movement sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is more libertarian on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Beppe Grillo
Co-founder
A comedian and activist who founded the movement and was its public face.
Luigi Di Maio
Political leader, 2017 to 2020
Led the movement to its 2018 victory before leaving in 2022.
Giuseppe Conte
Prime Minister, 2018 to 2021
A law professor who led two governments and has headed the party since 2021.
Sources and Further Reading
- Five Star Movement (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitemovimento5stelle.eu
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Italy political test to see how your views compare with Five Star Movement and the other parties.
Take the Italy Test
Social Policy
The movement now takes progressive positions on most social issues and stresses environmental protection, though it historically contained a wide range of views.