Does Raggi split the M5s? What's true and Di Battista's role
Virginia Raggi split, what's true? After what was reported in an article in La Repubblica, the 5 Star Movement could soon divide again after the many farewells that characterized the last legislature, primarily that of Luigi Di Maio who brought good luck to the former minister – now EU special envoy in the Persian Gulf – and less to those who decided to follow him in the adventure of Civic Engagement.
According to what we learn, the new split within the 5 Star Movement could be caused by Virginia Raggi, the former mayor of Rome who is now a municipal councilor in her city.
But what would be the reason for this possible breakup? Virginia Raggi does not seem to like the alliance between the 5 Star Movement and the Democratic Party, especially if Giuseppe Conte and Elly Schlein were to make a pact also in the next local elections in Rome in 2026.
Hence the discontent not only of the former mayor but also of other exponents of the 5 Stars, always with the question of the constraint of the two mandates as a backdrop: recently Beppe Grillo has returned to lock down the internal rule, but without some exceptions, perhaps for the administrative elections, we could soon see a new flight from the Movement by those elected to the second legislature.
Again according to La Repubblica, in the event of a split from the 5 Star Movement, Virginia Raggi could approach Schierarsi, the association of Alessandro Di Battista, another great former five-star member who for years has carved out a role as a free hitter.
read also What happened to Virginia Raggi? What is the former mayor of Rome Raggi doing today, ready to split from the M5s? For some time there has been talk of discontent on the part of Virginia Raggi, who ended up on the margins of national politics after having been one of the great protagonists of the golden age of the 5 Star Movement for five years.
In 2021 Raggi was able to run again as mayor of Rome thanks to the introduction of the so-called "zero mandate" – in practice her first term as city councilor was not counted – but in 2026 without a new exemption she would no longer be a candidate either .
This explains the rumors of a possible split on the part of Virginia Raggi, who could leave the 5 Star Movement so as to be able to hope to prolong her political career.
The hypothesis of a synergy with Alessandro Di Battista, however, would seem to be weak.
In fact, the former deputy now seems to be more dedicated to journalism and theater where he is now bringing the story of Julian Assange to the stage throughout Italy.
The association Schierarsi consequently may not become a party.
Then there is the example of how all those who left the 5 Star Movement – with the exception of Luigi Di Maio who, thanks to the interest of Mario Draghi, found a good job in Brussels – made little progress once they abandoned the Movement.
Virginia Raggi certainly still enjoys good popularity and a decent hard core of supporters in Rome, but from here on hypothesizing about her split would seem risky.
When we get closer to 2026 something will certainly happen: now, however, it would seem to be too early to talk about possible escapes forward.