You'll all have read or heard about Italy's General Election results, so I won't bore you with statistics other than to mention that in Sicily projected figures are that 62% of deputies from the centre right, as opposed to 28% from the centre left, will gain representation in the Regional Assembly. Even I have to hand it to Berlusconi, for his come-back ability, sheer nerve and showmanship [though his running mates in the Northern League are another matter] . Italians are incredibly pragmatic, you see, and when times are hard, they will vote for whoever they think will get them back to work, clear the streets of Naples of rubbish and generally make them look like a world player again. [Sometimes I think this often chaotic nation just craves order.] And if this new government doesn't work, so what? - We just chuck it out, sooner rather than later!
It may all seem very strange from outside the country, but I can understand exactly why Italians have voted as they have [though I am not condoning their decision]. The rest of the world may laugh at Italy all it likes, reader: the country still eats arguably better than any other, its design and workmanship still inspire admiration everywhere and young people do not feel that the be all and end all of life is to get as far away as possible from their families. So surely we have to concede that the Italians are doing quite a lot of things right?
12 comments:
I admire the Italians for voting for something that will make a positive difference for them. I don't think that happens here...
I do not know how the man does it. He is like a phoenix. No doubt he will self destruct sooner rather than later.
And life just goes on for the Italians, as you say.
Go Silvio go! I wasn't remotely surprised at the election result, all my Italian friends have been saying for weeks he'd get back in. I think everything you say is true, Italians are pragmatic, but I think that, above all, Berlusconi understands his countrymen and shares many of their values. Don't you love the the fact he's considerng appointing a former Mara Carfagna, a Miss Italy contestant, as Minister ofr the Family?
Berlusconi and Sarkozy at least raise the ante in vibrancy amongst European leaders.
On its merits Italy always seems very chaotic and the election results although not covered extensively in mainstream Australian press are a bit of a surprise. I do agree that pragmatic decisions almost always dictate election results and this one seems no different.
Your world as presented in your blog always seems so orderly by comparison. Perhaps it is sheer force of will on your part?
How many governments has Italy had since the war? Isn't it Sixty-something? What are the chances of his coalition lasting?
Maybe they are more sensible than us. UK politics is surreal. People don't get sacked for incompetance, but they get sacked for their personal lives.
I Italy, it seems, the real things matter.
All the Italian families I personally know are very family orientated, they are excellent cooks and take pride in their homes and appearances. :-)
I have to agree with you and your compelling argument, as is usually the case. Maybe the Italians will even lead Europe with the next swing to Fascism too; they were probably the only nation who managed to look good in a brown shirt. Popular political sentiment seems to go like a pendulum and I suspect its on the wax right now in Europe...
Hi, cherrypie. We shall see. Ciao, jmb. I don't know either! I wouldn't bet on him self-destructing, though. Hi, Sally. Yes, that is it - Itals feel he understands them. And that is priceless about the Family Minister! Hi, WW. Yes, they are both personalities. Hi, CC> I'm not a very orderly person, which is why Italy suits me in many ways! There are certain things I am orderly about, though, and one is keeping all my books in categories. Hi, jams. Can't remember exactly. The chjances of it lasting? - Your guess is as good as mine! Good point, Crushed. You are right, nunyaa. Hi, Wolfie. A pendulum is exactly what it's like and I find that quite frightening, myself.
Taming my fingers, I'd rather write: I am with Wolfie.
D'accordo, Sean.
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