The recent judicial scandals that have led to the arrest of top managers, are sweeping across the elections and fuelling the leader of the Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S), Beppe Grillo's campaign. According to the polls, Grillo will have a strong result in the elections of February 24 and 25. The strength of the comedian and very popular blogger is based on the instigation to "rebel" against the political system. His message is perfect for these times in which episodes of corruption are arising within the ruling class. Grillo, 64, was very famous in the 80's thanks to television, until he "disappeared" for having attacked the Prime Minister at the time, Bettino Craxi. Today, in an election campaign led primarily on television, he is the only politician who gathers the voters in the public squares. Grillo's first and only TV appearance is scheduled for tomorrow.

The M5S is a populist force with radical proposals that is attracting electors from all the political sides. Just like Berlusconi, Grillo also promises to abolish the property tax. He proposes a referendum on the Euro as well as restructuring the public debt. The abolishment of the provinces and electoral paybacks are a few of the points indicated to reduce State expenses.

According to a poll by Demos, 32% of Grillo's fans consider themselves to be left-wing, 28% right-wing. The latest polls say that Grillo could obtain 15-16%. But the M5S could do even better if it manages to win over the uncertain electors. One third of them corresponds to about five million votes. The M5S might become the third political force, behind the PD and PDL and ahead of Mario Monti. Grillo could count on 70-75 deputies in the lower House. Grillo's members of Parliament were chosen with primary elections held on line: 55% of them are women. Grillo presented his candidates: «Housewives, redundant workers, senior citizens and youths». Therefore no politicians. The requirement to be a candidate was not having any criminal record. A condition that left Grillo himself out: he was sentenced in the past for having caused the death of three people in a car accident.

Grillo confessed that he fears the results of the elections. «If we were to win a lot, we would have to face difficulties. We would have to organize ourselves and choose the right people in a hurry». Grillo's group will have considerable influence in the new Parliament with unpredictable consequences. Grillo does not want to be allied with any of the traditional parties: «They will follow us and we will follow our ideas. We will hold the balance», said Grillo. Starting with the choice of the new President of the Republic who will have to be elected by the Parliament in April. Grillo promises to import his method based on consulting the people. «We will hold a voting on line among everyone and then we will decide who we want to become Head of State». An absolute novelty that could make a mess of Italian politics.

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