Five Star Movement
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Italy’s post-pandemic challenges
Despite having declared a state of emergency early, the Italian government was late in responding to the coronavirus threat. This delayed reaction allowed the illness to wreak havoc in northern regions, the industrial powerhouse of the country. Nevertheless, citizens’ responsible reaction slowed the spread of the disease, leaving the country to address economic and political challenges.
Italy: Salvini’s tactical mistake puts the left in power
After the European elections this year, Matteo Salvini and his Lega party were riding high. Many expected he would capitalize on the wave of support and call for new elections. When he finally did, parties on the left moved against him. With a savvy political move from former Prime Minister ...
Opinion: Brexit and ‘peak populism’ in Europe
The UK Parliament’s moves to block Brexit from occurring without a deal on October 31, 2019, has prompted some to say that Europe has reached “peak populism.” As the British case shows, though, societies remain polarized and democratic rules continue to be bent. What happens next in the UK may ...
EU elections shake the stability of Italy’s coalition
The European Parliament elections in May upended the balance of support for the parties in Italy's coalition government, with Lega far outpacing the Five Star Movement. Moreover, the country's budget imbalances increasingly require solutions that will be politically unpopular. Rank-and-file members of both parties could benefit from new elections, but ...
Italian gold and populist publicity
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has revived a five-year-old proposal to use his country’s gold reserves to bring down the budget deficit. The idea is problematic for several reasons – but that is not the point. Mr. Salvini is likely using this controversial plan to make headlines and burnish ...
