| Author (Corporate) | BBC |
|---|---|
| Series Title | BBC News |
| Series Details | 09.01.17 |
| Publication Date | 09/01/2017 |
| Content Type | News |
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Italy's Five Star Movement (FSM) announced on 8 January 2017 it had decided to leave the EFDD group in the European Parliament. The movement's leader argued that the group had no common political objective left following the outcome of Britain's EU membership referendum. FSM had joined the EFDD group in June 2014. The movement sought to join the European Parliament's liberal group ALDE. This was seen as a surprise move by most analysts, uncertain of how could FSM's eurosceptic stances match ALDE's strong pro-EU profile. However, late on the 9 January 2017 a statement from ALDE leader and European Parliament presidential candidate Guy Verhofstadt said: 'I have come to the conclusion that there are not enough guarantees to push forward a common agenda to reform Europe'. 'There is insufficient common ground to proceed with the request of the Five Star Movement to join the ALDE Group. There remain fundamental differences on key European issues'. 'However, on issues of shared interest, such as the environment, transparency and direct democracy, the ALDE Group and the Five Star Movement will continue to work closely together'. On the 10 January 2017 it was announced that the FSM would stay within the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy (EFDD). |
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| Source Link | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-38558366 |
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| Countries / Regions | Europe, Italy |
