麻豆约拍

Five letters from leading Italians from the fields of politics, economics, television, art and journalism.

Today's letter is unique in that it's a rare chance to hear from a member of the new political party in Italian politics. Beppe Grillo's Five Stars Movement won an astonishing third of the seats in the lower house of parliament at their first attempt. It's an impact that, amongst other things, has left the political system in stalemate because they refuse to negotiate with the other parties.
The Five Stars members are not speaking to the Italian press or broadcast media, but Carlo Sibilia, a New MP representing the region around Naples, gives us a unique insight into the thinking of his party.

He describes how he came to be involved in politics, why the new party, with its heavy emphasis on Internet communication, made such an impact, and why he believes it can change politics in both Italy and the rest of Europe.

He acknowledges that much of what he says may sound idealistic, but invites listeners to appreciate that he and his colleagues have actually achieved far more than most protest movements.

At a time when Italy is in the spotlight, both for the changing of the Pope but more especially for the recent election results and the economic fragility that has brought austerity and anger, each of the letter writer talks about their sense of Italy today, it's challenges, the dangers it faces and the possibilities for the future.

This week's contributors will be:

Prof Gustavo Piga is an economist at Rome University.

Lucia Annunziata is editor of the Huffington Post, Italy but spent many years in Italian television including a period as head of RIA, the Italian equivalent of the 麻豆约拍.

Dacia Maraini is a novelist and playwright and an established figure in the Italian literary landscape.

Annalisa Piras is an Italian Journalist based in London.