Originally posted by zara
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Grillo's intention is probably to consolidate actual party lines this way, which he'll then use to isolate (eurosceptic) "rebels", stripping them from position. Grillo has used similar situations within the party in the past couple years a few times on other major issues, generally coming out on top to force the party into his direction. The reason he's doing this now is because he can then move into the next election round with a "consolidated" party that he can present as having gotten rid of problematic elements again and having gained a unified political stance beyond just being a protest movement.
Outside the party, M5S' EFFD membership is not considered anything noteworthy in Italy (EP politics are pretty unnoticed there anyway), so it's pretty much just an internal party issue; the EFFD membership means squat to Grillo too since it's a sinking boat, so he can gamble that without problems. Since ALDE won't take them in the party's MEPs will then go it alone as an unaffiliated group in the EP, which is what many eurosceptic members want in the first place - just with the effect of giving them a chance to join the main party lines by compromising on other issues.
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