Italy votes in uncertain elections stalked by populism; Berlusconi may lead

Italians began voting on Sunday in one of the country's most uncertain elections ever, with far-right and populist parties expected to make major gains and Silvio Berlusconi set to play a leading role.
Clashes between far-right and anti-fascist activists have marred a gloomy campaign dominated by fears about immigration and economic malaise.

"It's been a very negative campaign," said Domenico Coricelli, a 28-year-old in Florence.
Many Italians are cynical about election promises made by the country's many squabbling parties and confused about what the outcome might be.
"We hope something will change because until now things have been very bad," said Enzo Gallo, an elderly shopper at a street market in Milan.

"The middle class no longer exists, the poor are becoming poorer, the rich are becoming richer and there is no social justice," he told AFP.