Italy gridlock deepens as Europe watches nervously

ROME (AFP) - Italy's political gridlock deepened on Wednesday with bickering between the main leftist party and a new anti-establishment movement, putting off the prospect of a new government soon after elections that have spooked Europe.

Comedian turned populist firebrand Beppe Grillo said his Five Star Movement (M5S) would not endorse the Democratic Party (PD), which won the most votes in the elections on Sunday and Monday but not enough to form a majority in parliament.

"The M5S is not going to give a vote of confidence to the Democratic Party or to anyone else," Mr Grillo, who has channelled the frustrations of austerity-weary Italians, wrote on his blog.

The comment appeared to be a rejection of overtures from the PD, which on Tuesday suggested working with M5S on key measures like slashing government costs and helping Italy's poorest get through a grinding recession.