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Beppe Grillo tore into the "arrogant" ex-Prime Minister who lost a referendum on constitutional reform earlier this month. In a letter Mr Grillo, leader of the populist Five Star Movement, wrote: "You left Italy in a mess: moral, economic and institutional. "You have split the country in two on the subject of the constitution, proposing a reform that nobody told you to do because you were not elected.

"You left an economic disaster with an absolute record of poverty and an amazing increase in taxes. Not even Mario Monti had squeezed us so much." He also accused Mr Renzi of being a "liar" because – despite quitting as Prime Minister – he still wields huge influence over the government. Outspoken Mr Grillo said: "You said on January 12: 'With a gesture of courage and dignity, I say that if I lose the referendum, I stop doing politics'.

GETTY Beppe Grillo tore into 'arrogant' ex-Prime Minister Matteo Renzi

Then three days later, you said: 'I have already made a promise, if we lose the referendum, I will abandon politics.' "And you are still here. And it doesn't make us laugh. "You are still here as secretary of the Democratic Party telling the Parliament what to do for the electoral law."

GETTY Europhile Renzi still wields huge influence over the government

You reappeared in front of Italians with your usual arrogance Beppe Grillo

He added: "You did not even have the wisdom to show some humility. "You reappeared in front of Italians with your usual arrogance. Keep your promise and go away. "Renzi, you again. I'm not surprised, but weren't we supposed to stop seeing you?"

GETTY Grillo with former Ukip leader and Brexit supremo Nigel Farage

In pictures: Crises that have crippled Italy Thu, November 2, 2017 The European Union has warned that Italy's economy is not improving Play slideshow EPA 1 of 9 November 2016: Florence erupts in violence as anti-Renzi protesters clash with riot cops. Hooded youths attacked lines of cops protecting embattled prime minister Matteo Renzi, who was in the city for crunch political talks.

GETTY The Five Star Movement is leading Renzi's party in new polls