The Five Star Movement (M5S) in Italy recently appointed Federico Cafiero de Raho, the former head of the Anti-Mafia Directorate (DNA), as its new guarantor. This decision comes after a series of controversies, including calls from the center-right for de Raho's resignation from the Parliamentary Anti-Mafia Commission due to a dossier scandal. The appointment indicates a significant shift in M5S leadership toward a more Conte-oriented faction, solidifying Giuseppe Conte's influence within the party.

The voting process for the new leadership positions ended with a relatively low turnout, as only about 20.6% of the party's members participated, despite over 103,000 registered members. Cafiero de Raho led the vote with over 13,800 preferences, contrasting with the diminished involvement of the base. This reflects growing challenges for M5S in maintaining member engagement and addressing internal conflicts amidst external pressures.

The newly elected members of the party's Guarantee Committee and the Board of Probiviri include notable figures such as Barbara Floridia and Gianluca Castaldi, who are expected to take pivotal roles in shaping the party's direction as it navigates through a transitional phase post-Grillo leadership. The implications of these appointments point to internal strategies aimed at fortifying M5S's position in Italian politics at a time when collaboration and image rehabilitation are critical for the party's future prospects.