“We are not populist nor anti-Europeans” said the comedian. Candidates to be announced shortly: “Without a criminal record and with no more than two legislatures.”
The Five Star Movement will run alone in the forthcoming European Parliament Elections, without alliances with other populist parties: it is not populist nor anti-European, said Beppe Grillo, the leader of the Movement. During a press conference held the resident foreign press corps in Rome, he announced the Movement’s approach to the forthcoming European Elections, which, on May 22-25, could take several representatives of the M5S to Brussels.
“We are running alone, then we will see if there’s other German or Finnish group which shares our programme,” said Grillo when asked about possible alliances with “other European populist parties.” Beware what you say, warned Grillo: “You said we are populist and anti-European. You said I am a racist, but it is not true. In these moments of economic, cultural, social depression, totalitarian regimes are being created. Not in Italy, and it’s because of us. We are the reason why there is no Italian Golden Dawn.”
The names of the candidates will be announced soon: the choice, said Grill, will be made “shortly.” He explained “there are five constituencies and we will prepare the corresponding lists.” The discriminating factors will be the same as before “to have no criminal record and no more than two legislatures.” The final choice is to be made, as usual, by the ‘people of the Internet’: “Potential candidates will be announced, CVs will be uploaded online, and people will choose” on the Internet, explained Grillo.
In addition, even if details are still to be refined, Grillo has no doubt on the results of the elections: “I am telling you now that we will win the European elections,” he said. “Everyone is against us,” lamented Grillo, who showed little worry about this ‘hostility’. If time proves him wrong, he is ready to pay the bill: “If Italians decide they do not want us, I will take a different path. If I am wrong, I will leave,” he promises. However, “if we win, we will change Italy from Europe.”
As usual, Grillo goes on with his criticism, and asks for a decision to be taken by citizens on the single currency: “I do not want a €-exit,” he said, “I want to discuss about the euro, I want a referendum about it.” Moreover, this is not the only thing to discuss: “We want to renegotiate all the treaties Italy has signed in Europe, which have led us to this situation,” insisted Grillo. Starting from the Fiscal Compact: “We were the first to ask a motion for a renegotiation,” said the comedian, and added “PD voted against it. And they are proud of their vote.”
