Over the years, the Italian government has never been shy of controversy but the newest chapter of the government’s show is indeed, from a show. Beppe Grillo, a comedian, has now had the last laugh when his campaign, at first pushed aside as a joke has now captured the attention of Italy. At the age of 64, he is a potential liability to the stability of Italy’s political world. By no means should he win, but he could grab enough seats to prevent Luigi, Monti and Bersani from having enough seats to form a government. He is predicted 28% of the vote, which will be more than Mario Monti, predicted to collect only 15%. The favourite to win, Mr Bersani, has had his voting percentage drop to only 35% as a result of Mr Grillo’s charisma.
The people not laughing are those who are now ashamed to call themselves Italian. Luca Greco, a 27-year-old Italian man who set up his Italian restaurant in the heart of Sutton has expressed his displeasure over the recent political scandal. He said, “I feel like a joke, as though the rest of Europe is laughing at us and we are expected to sit here and let our government become nothing but a stand up comedy show”. Mr Grillo has promised he will “create a new Italy from scrap”. Rather a big promise from a man who once made a living off writing elephant jokes.
