Italy's Grillo backs Rome mayor amid administration chaos

ROME (AP) - The leader of Italy's populist 5-Star Movement has given Rome's embattled mayor a public vote of confidence after her administration fell into disarray over a spate of resignations.

Comic-turned-politician Beppe Grillo has largely stayed off the political stage in recent months. But he headlined a rally Thursday night to give Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi his support and to assure supporters she would carry the party's program through in the capital.

Raggi's new administration was thrown into chaos last week after she dismissed her cabinet chief and four other officials resigned. This week, she had to respond after reports emerged that her environment minister was under investigation by prosecutors.

Raggi came to office in June promising to fix Rome's transport, garbage and corruption scandals.

She said Friday: "I'm not giving up."