The build-up to the general election in Italy is underway and will take place on the 4th of March. I thought I would get a bit of an education so I can better understand and follow. Below is my limited synopsis of what is, in reality, a complex mishmash of ideologies. Of course, these are rooted in the even more complex history of Italy of which I could never fully understand. Apologies to Italians for my clumsy attempts!
Following the deposition and subsequent death of Mussolini towards the end of WWII Italy was left in political tatters. A constitutional referendum was held soon after which also abolished the monarchy. The House of Savoy (Casa Savoia), that had overseen the unification of Italy and ruled the Kingdom of Italy since 1861 was exiled. It must have been a bewildering time for people coming out of the trauma and poverty of war.
http://italianmonarchist.blogspot.co.nz/2011/12/faithful-house-of-savoy.html
The three parties that rose to the fore through these years were the Christian Democrats, the Italian Socialist Party and the Italian Communist Party. The Socialist and Communist party combined to have a majority over the Christian democrats however the cold war hostilities between America and Russia and fears of Russia influencing Italy saw the US undertake a program of propaganda effectively helping drive the Christian Democrats to power. They went on to hold this leadership for 40 years.
Through this time, particularly late 60s to early 80s, Italy was beset by strong factions from both the far right and left of the political spectrum. There were periods of internal unrest, terrorism and civil fighting. There was also corruption.
Wiki commons image of the Bologna train bombing.
In 1992-1994 corruption scandals collectively referred to as Tangentopoli (bribes city or kickback city) or Mani Pulite (clean hands) rocked Italian politics and subsequently caused the disappearance of what had been a few of the strongest parties along with hundreds of politicians indicted and even suicides.
There have been and still are numerous political parties since WWII, however, none have formed a government alone always needing to form coalitions and political alliances to get their majority.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Italian_Republic
So who are the current political players and what are their origins.
Democratic Party: or PD, founded in 2007. Have ruled Italy since 2013. A coming together of centre left parties with Paolo Gentiloni at the helm as Prime Minister since Matteo Renzi stood down following a referendum defeat. Signor Renzi is frequently pictured in the Italian media with less than his best angle on display, not sure why. They vow to increase the minimum wage and cut taxes.
Five Star Movement: Led by Signor Luigi De Maio just since September 2017 who is only 31 years old. This party was started by Beppe Grillo, a comedian, as an anti-establishment party and sits neither left nor right on the political spectrum. They were originally in favour of pulling out of the Eurozone, however, this is softening. They also advocate a minimum monthly income, better relations with Russia, and earlier retirement.
Forza Italia: A centre-right political party led by 81-year-old Silvio Berlusconi who has been a Prime Minister of Italy 4 times. It actually beggars belief that he is still in the game with numerous trials for bribery, corruption, tax fraud, sexual misconduct and generally prone to saying awkward gaffs in the wrong places. A powerful man that is pro-business, anti-euro, anti-migrant and has a loyal following in the north but maybe past his best and unable to hand the baton on to his fellow party members. (He still needs to have a ban on re-election overturned).
Democrats and Progressives: Mo.Dem.Pro. A breakaway from the Democratic party and centrist left it was formed due to internal rifts with Matteo Renzi and in many ways has been built on jokes, parodies and memes. They are now doing very well.
Lega Nord: A party based on regionalism especially in the north. Centrist right and a coalition partner with Forza, committed to leaving the Eurozone.
Liberal Popular Alliance: centre right offshoot of Forza.
Italian Left: Formed in February 2017, left-leaning and with an ecology thread.
Brothers of Italy: A small nationalist party that is anti-euro and anti-migrant.
There are many more. 🙂
It is always easier to be entertained, shocked and mystified by another country’s politics than by our own. The outrage we save for our own. Although I’m currently feeling pretty chuffed with having a newly elected young woman from the conservative left who hopefully has great things in store for a country reeling from a meteoric housing bubble, a slip in our socio-economic standing and the rise and rise of poverty now visible on the streets that we have never witnessed before in our lifetimes.
Sweet Travel 