A year on, bitter Italians keep Grillo flying high

The 5-Star Movement leader and comedian Beppe Grillo gestures before a news conference for foreign press in downtown Rome January 23, 2014. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini

ROME (Reuters) - Franco Picini, a schoolteacher in Italy’s capital city, says he has voted for the left all his life, but in this month's European parliament elections, he will back the 5-Star Movement of comedian Beppe Grillo.

“I know his political platform isn’t very clear, but enough with Italy’s old political guard! They all have to go,” says the slim 58-year-old, who teaches teenagers with special needs. “Grillo is the only alternative ... if we want to start over.”