Luigi Di Maio, leader of the Five Star Movement (M5S), criticizes Beppe Grillo, accusing him of acting like an ‘absolute monarch’ and undermining the democratic values of the party. Di Maio contends that Grillo has distanced himself from the community and now claims a patronage over it, disregarding the contributions and maturity of its members. He reflects on his political journey, emphasizing that it was Grillo who encouraged him to participate and laments the decision to hold a re-vote.