Members of the 5-Star Movement (M5S)
on Friday voted to approve two major rule changes in an online
poll.
The first makes it possible for the anti-establishment group to
form alliances with traditional parties at the local level, not
just civic lists.
This could pave the way for a series of deals with the
centre-left Democratic Party (PD), with whom the M5S is allied
at the national level in the coalition supporting Premier
Giuseppe Conte's government.
The second changes restrictions on M5S elected representatives
only serving two terms.
This will make it possible for Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi to
stand for re-election next year.
"I'm standing again," Raggi said. "Now let's move forward with
our heads held high. Together.
"Thank you all for the support and encouragement that you never
failed to give.
"I speak in the plural form because we are a team. Together we
will overcome the challenges that await us".
Foreign Minister and former M5S leader Luigi Di Maio, who was
among the movement's bigwigs calling for the changes, expressed
satisfaction too.
"Good luck to Virginia Raggi for her re-election bid and to all
the mayor candidates who will be at the head of coalitions in
the municipalities where we will run for election on September
20," he said.
"As of today a new era starts for the 5-Star Movement in
participation in local elections".
PD leader Nicola Zingaretti welcomed the vote too.
"We are an alliance of different groups, which remain
different," he said.
"But in order to govern you have to be allied, you cannot be
adversaries.
"So if you manage to take a common path together, it is a very
positive thing".
Anna Maria Bernini, a Senator for Silvio Berlusconi's
opposition, centre-right Forza Italia party, was not
enthusiastic.
"The strategic alliance that is on the horizon between the PD
and the M5S, despite the failure of a disastrous government
incapable of managing the crisis, is a nightmare scenario for
Italy," she said.
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