By Europe correspondent Greg Milam
I don't know why I have some admiration for the Italian voter who ATE his ballot paper in protest?
Have you seen the size of Italian ballot papers?
They look like paper Monopoly boards.
He may have been one of the 'grillini', followers of comedian and blogger Bepe Grillo, who says politicians are dead and therefore no one should vote.
Or something like that.
He may have just been baffled by the choice of dozens of parties. One witness said: "Maybe he was just out of his mind."
Less dedicated protesters simply tore their papers up in the polling station. Hopefully with a typically Italian flourish.
This has been a glorious election to watch for the outsider. For Italians it has been gloriously frustrating.
The candidates include ex-porn stars, descendants of Italian royalty and a brother of Gianni Versace.
The campaign has been littered with tantrums and jibes. And some great quotes.
Hard right candidate Daniela Santanche told women they shouldn't vote for Silvio Berlusconi because: "He only sees women in the horizontal."
Berlusconi himself said: "In our parliament there are 30 people who actually work and all the others need to do is show up and be loyal."
Mind you, he was also the man who said that "if you owe your bank 100,000 they own you, if you owe them 100 million, you own them".
Good luck with your bank manager with that one.
Money, not much of a problem for Silvio, is a big problem for Italians.
I'm writing this in a cafe in the Piazza del Popolo, warm morning sun and not a cloud in the sky. The cool and stylish Romans bustling to work don't look troubled.
But they are and they need someone to sort out their economy, put some money in their pockets and put the confidence back in their stride.
A perma-tanned billionaire who owns half the media, or a film buff friend of George Clooney.
Who would you chose?
Prodi dragged the interfering woes of a dictatorial Brussels into Italy. At least Uncle Silvio allows the Italian people to live their lives as they want to, and self police their communities locally. A much more pleasant environment to live in. Take note Great Britain. Look what Brussels and the Labour party have done for you. They fiddle more than Silvio, and you don't get the benefits!!
Go Silvio!!!!!
Posted by: Nonno Billy Apr 14, 2008 8:22:22 AM
Italy is becoming the circus of Europe! Being Italian, to see my country ruled by a bunch of old politicians who recycle themself every time a governament fall and steal for their own benefit makes me absolutely angry and sad.Italy has so much to offer to the world, but people like Berlusconi and everybody else for that matter, make sure that this does not happen! Shame shame shame is the only thing I can really say to him and his gang. Hopefully one day the new generations looking back will laugh at us and create a better world. For now... well done to the guy in Sorrento who ate the ballot paper.
Posted by: Deborah -London Apr 14, 2008 6:33:24 AM
As you mentioned George Clooney, perhaps the answer lies somewhere within.
I just hope Italy chooses someone who knows local as well as national politics and not say [Stay A Little While Child] as many a [Loose Ends] will emerege therafter.
As for lining the pockets and to bring back your confidence, I've never met a stallion with the hump have you? ooops, nearly forgot about the ballot paper with added olive oil.
Posted by: Khalid Apr 14, 2008 4:41:50 AM