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People & Power
Beppe's Blog
The story of the prime-time comedian come blogger denouncing Italy's politicians.
Last Modified: 23 Jul 2008 07:57 GMT
Grillo no longer sees the funny
side of Italian politics [EPA]

Italy has just elected its 62nd government in 63 years. The country has once again given mandate to media magnate Silvio Berlusconi to restore the country's tumbling economy.

But some Italians think the country doesn't need new policies as much as it needs new politicians. And the loudest of these voices belongs to Beppe Grillo.

Grillo used to be a prime-time comedian on Italian television but was blacklisted due to a barbed political joke.

Consequently, four years ago, he opened a blog in which he began denouncing the wrongdoing of Italy's political class. The blog was remarkable a success, soon becoming one of the most read in the world.

On the back of this success, Grillo organised rallies all over the country, attracting more than a million people and his movement has since encouraged the creation of so-called Civic Lists, groups of citizens which run for local elections with Grillo's blessing and support.

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