Italy’s Surging Populists Run Into a Political Muddle. But for How Long?
Emilio Gentile said that The political parties in government have sought ways — through changes to the electoral
law — to remain in power, rather than allowing for the turnover that is typical of democracies,
In an era of increasingly autocratic leaders — with anti-Democratic forces sweeping up furious voters across Europe — some politicians have whispered privately
that although the results of the election may be disastrous for the country’s efforts at modernization, they may be preferable for European leaders and investors afraid of a populist government.
He said that unlike "territorial" parties, the web-based Five Star Movement represented the entire country, a fact
that "inevitably launches us to the government of the country." He made the pitch that, since other coalitions lacked the numbers to govern, Mr. Mattarella should give the Five Star Movement a mandate to put one together.
With some apparent relish, he noted that the populists who were now struggling to find a formula
that would allow them to govern had campaigned against a 2016 referendum — the defeat of which cost him his job as prime minister — which would have simplified government.
As a result of the new electoral law passed in October, Italians on Monday woke up to headlines screaming "Italy is ungovernable." Matteo Renzi, the youthful leader
of the country’s center-left party who once seemed to be the country’s future, was forced to resign on Monday after the worst showing in his party’s history.
Vera Capperucci said that It says that the country over the years has formed a sentiment of distrust for politicians, their representation
and participation, and voters see in the offers of populist parties like the League and the Five Star the chance to regain a central role,
But he insisted that he would not join forces with the Five Star Movement, the anti-establishment
party, though together they would have a governing majority.