Italy’s political gridlock worsens

Italy’s political gridlock has worsened as the center-left coalition rejects forming an alliance with the center-right party.

The leader of the center-left party, Breppe Grillo, said on Wednesday that his Five Star Movement (M5S) would not support the Democratic Party (PD).

“The M5S is not going to give a vote of confidence to the Democratic Party or to anyone else,” Grillo said.

The Democratic Party with its leader, Pier Luigi Bersani, received the majority of votes in the February 25 elections, but not enough to form a majority in parliament.

Bersani suggested on February 26 that the PD and M5S, which won a quarter of the votes in parliament, could cooperate on key measures such as cutting government spending and helping the poorest in Italy through its devastating recession.

Grillo replied to the suggestion by saying that the PD could ally with Silvio Berlusconi’s centre-right coalition temporarily until new elections are held.

Meanwhile, the European Union continues to eye on Italy nervously, fearing the country would reject reforms and austerity, which could deepen the financial euro crisis.

Italy is experiencing its longest recession in 20 years, with its latest unemployment rate at record 11.20 percent, posted in December 2012.