Politics Isn’t Fair, Italian Edition
The Democrats are unpopular despite governing the country well. Incompetent populists are up in the polls.
Italy
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.
Italy’s Salvini Commits to Right-Wing Pact, Asks Same of Berlusconi
The Northern League leader worries that his ally might do a deal with the left.
Young Italians Blame EU, But Their Problems Are Homegrown
It’s little wonder young Italians are disappointed, but the problem is their own politics, not the EU.
Consolidation on the Italian Left
Left-wing critics of Matteo Renzi join forces while a small party from Milan is open to a deal with the Democrats.
Italian Parties Draw Battle Lines Ahead of Election
The left rules out the right. The far left rules out the center-left. The Five Stars rule out everybody. How will Italy be governed?
Italy’s Small Left Rejects Pact, Making Defeat More Likely
By refusing to do a deal with the center-left, Pier Luigi Bersani makes a populist or right-wing victory more likely.
Italy’s Leftists Open Door to Necessary Alliance
The left won’t stand a chance divided, but it will be hard to set aside personal feuds and policy differences.
Sicily Defeat Does Not Bode Well for Italy’s Center-Left
The left is divided. The right is united. The populist Five Star Movement remains strong.
Salvini Would Pick Populists Over Center-Left for Coalition
The leader of Italy’s Northern League would prefer a government with the Five Star Movement.
Old-School Leftists Break with Democratic Party in Italy
Disputes over a new electoral law and the governor of the Bank of Italy reveal a left-wing split.
Similarities and Differences Between Catalan, Italian Referendums
The biggest difference: former separatists in northern Italy no longer call for independence.