Italian voters will go to the polls this Sunday, March 4th. This is the promised election to replace the Premier, Matteo Renzi, who resigned last year after his plebiscite was rejected by the voters. His bet that Italians wanted change was miscalculated. They want changes, but not as much as he promised. As an example of changes he wanted, he planned to reduce the size of Parliament which is composed of almost 900 elected officials in the Senate and Chamber of Deputies. The costs of this huge body of lawmakers is extraordinary. In addition to a salary of E250,000/ann, each member enjoys a staff for the office and many other expensive benefits. No wonder its so difficult to make changes.
In the past week, violence has broken out in some cities as opponents on the right and left have faced off in demonstrations and counter demonstrations as the voting date approaches. No candidate is expected to win a significant victory and as a result, another coalition government will be formed.
This does not bode well for the EU. Italy has seen weak economic growth over the last 2-3 years. While other member states have seen growth in the 2.5-3.5% range, Italy has only managed a 1.5% rate. Unemployment is barely under 10%. This is not good. Not good for the Euro either as Brussels is dealing with the exit of Great Britain from the union.
Italy needs change but lacks the leader to accomplish necessary steps. Silvio Berlesconi has come back as the face of the Liga Nord or Northern League which is a populist party that supports restrictions on immigration which has overwhelmed provinces in the South of Italy, and has even extended to many in the North.
Results could predict what will happen in other countries that have faced immigration issues related to refugees from the Syrian war and political upheaval in sub-Saharan Africa.
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