Italy is in limbo. Currently they have no active government and the Vatican is in a search for a new Pope. This article outlines the frustrations, emotions, and challenges Italian citizens are feeling due to this unique situation. Interestingly, the article points out that since 1948, Italy has had 58 governments. As we have learned in class, Italy is in the middle of a deep recession and the Vatican is fighting a sexual abuse scandal. This Tuesday will be the when the Cardinals meet and start discussing the next Pope. Unfortunately, the EU and Italian citizens will be in a state of nervousness, frustration, and, for some, concern until the next election. The election is VITAL for Italian citizens, Italian companies, and the entire EU.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/09/world/europe/italy-uneasy-over-vacuum-in-vatican-and-government.html?_r=0
2 comments:
It seems like Italy is in a time of a big transition, although, with its up-and-down history, this could not be the case. Regardless, the strong comments from citizens in this article stand out the most to me. The idea that they have extremely low expectations in their government is bound to create this same idea of a poorly performing Italy for people around the world, which will in turn cause greater hardship for the country.
Interestingly, I was talking to an Italian citizen, while I was in Colorado, about the elections and he was very stressed and frustrated by what was going on. He stated that many citizens who have voted for Grillo, the comedian, are not very informed and have just been watching television (Grillo has campaigned heavily on Youtube and tv). I am not saying he is correct, but it is interesting to get insight from an Italian citizen, plus, Grillo's policies seem unrealistic and very radical (debating whether to leave the Euro, not facing the austerity measures, etc.)
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