Berlusconi, three-time prime minister of Italy, had been
relying heavily on television performances to win the election for him, but
news of the Pope’s resignation has diverted attention away from him, giving way
to an even bigger lead for Bersani. Bersani’s
platform consists of sticking to the previous course of budget discipline and
structural reforms, but with an aim toward social equity. He has also promised to “recognize gay civil
unions, reform laws
to allow children of immigrants to have citizenship and cut defense spending to
pay out more for schools and hospitals.”
In
Italy, the unemployment rate has recently risen to a record of 11.2% and the
recession has continued to worsen.
Italy
has many parties running against each other, unlike our main two in the United
States. Other than Bersani and Berlusconi,
there is Monti, a former economics professor, Beppe Grillo, a former comedian
who is appealing to voters through the use of a grassroots campaign, Antonio
Ingroia, a frmer anti-mafia prosecutor, and Oscar Giannino, a pro-business
journalist. However, this split seems to
be favoring Bersani and pulling votes away from Berlusconi.
For
the first time in recent history, the Italian elections are taking place in
winter, which could also take away from the overall voter turnout.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/austerity-hit-italians-prepare-to-vote/story-fn3dxix6-1226584382340
1 comment:
The timing of the Pope's resignation is rather unfortunate for the other parties in the running. However, I will be interested in the final outcome. I do not know a lot about the dynamics of politics in Italy but I cannot imagine the recognizing of gay civil unions as being extremely popular with the majority of the citizens but like Professor Skopsle has said the small groups have the power.
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