Italy faces political deadlock after a stunning election that
saw the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement led by comedian
Beppe Grillo become the strongest party in the country but
left no group with a clear majority in parliament.
Italians are voting in one of the most unpredictable
elections in years, with many voters expressing rage against
a discredited elite and doubt that a government will emerge
strong enough to combat a severe economic crisis.
Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi will return
to frontline politics as the centre-right candidate in next
year's general election, a senior official in his PDL party
was quoted as saying.
A strong earthquake in northern Italy has killed at least six
people, injured dozens and damaged historic buildings
including a famed mediaeval castle early, waking terrified
citizens and sending thousands running into the streets.
Torrential rains lashed Italy from its northern Alps to the
southern island of Sicily, causing flash floods that killed
at least nine people and left six others missing, authorities
say.
