Illuminating the Arts-Policy Nexus 

Thanks for putting out a balanced article discussing some of the merits of M5S and possible future alliances. I would be surprised if M5S formed an alliance with any other party - it is expilicitly in their code of behaviour that they have promised not to to do this. A code that was signed by all candidates and was made visible to the public before the elections. As I understand it, the PD have been making many overtures to elected M5S members, offering leadership of committees, even ministerial positions in a proposed alliance. Grillo has said that M5S will support any legislation on a case by case basis and I believe that is as far as M5S will go with the PD. As difficult as it is to imagine, I think the most likely short-term outcome is a PD-PDL alliance. This is obviously unpalatable to both parties for many reasons. I expect Grillo is also right in calling this one; such an alliance would stagger on until new elections in 7-8 months time. Meanwhile, Italy has the prospect of 150+ newly elected M5S members, untainted by previous scandals and drawing only 2500 euro per month salaries (from a 9000 euro per month allowance). It will remain to be seen how these 'Grillini' endear themselves to the public and how they function in a possible role as the main opposition. It seems to me that Grillo is betting on another election, whereby an impressive M5S gains a clear majority over the PD and PDL; I think Bersani can also see this, unfortunately for him there are too many members of the PD and PDL who will probably not be able to resist furthering their own ambition, even by entering a potentially self-destructive alliance with each other. It will certainly be an interesting year.