Renzi Resigns, Italy Split Down the Middle, War on the Spanish Right
Matteo Renzi steps down after his center-left is decimated in Italy’s parliamentary elections.
Italian Election 2018
Parliamentary elections were held in Italy on March 4. The anti-establishment Five Star Movement placed first with 227 out of 630 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 112 out of 315 seats in the Senate, followed by the far-right League with 125 and 58 seats. The Atlantic Sentinel endorsed the center-left Democratic Party and center-right Forza Italia.
Grand Coalition Wins Vote in Germany. Next Problem: Italy
German Social Democratic Party members support a coalition with Angela Merkel.
No Party or Coalition Wins Majority in Italy
Populist Five Star Movement and League gain at the expense of mainstream parties.
Left-Right Coalition Would Be Best Outcome for Italy
A grand coalition, with Antonio Tajani as prime minister, would be the best outcome for Italy.
Trump Launches Trade War, Berlusconi Confirms Tajani Candidacy
Donald Trump announces tariffs. Silvio Berlusconi names his candidate for prime minister.
Merkel Wins Party’s Support, Berlusconi a Warning to Americans
Christian Democrats support another left-right coalition in Germany.
Dutch Hope for Smooth Brexit, Russians Have Little Faith in Trump
The Dutch lobby both sides. Russians suspect Donald Trump will throw them under the bus.
Italian Election Guide
The Italian electoral system, the parties, their leaders and possible coalitions.
Nobody Is Happy in Germany, League Calls for Italian Euro Exit
Angela Merkel is criticized. Matteo Salvini ramps up his anti-euro rhetoric.
Six Economic Challenges for Italy’s Next Government
Slow growth, high debt, youth unemployment… Italy’s next government has its work cut out for it.
Politics Isn’t Fair, Italian Edition
The Democrats are unpopular despite governing the country well. Incompetent populists are up in the polls.
Italian Parties Putin-Friendly, But Policy Shift Unlikely
No Italian prime minister is going to start an EU-level rebellion to help Vladimir Putin.
Italy’s Renzi Has Failed on Two Counts
The Democratic Party leader has failed to unite the left and failed to convince voters he can still deliver reforms.
The Pros and Cons of a Flat Tax in Italy
A single tax rate could boost growth and discourage tax evasion, but there are downsides.
Italy’s Right Makes Pact, Democrats Open Door to Grand Coalition
Silvio Berlusconi might still be lured into a coalition with the center-left.