Policy Briefs

C. Bastasin: The Italian Election and the Reform of the Euro Area

Italy's current electoral campaign has been unprecedented in at least two regards. First,
its uncertain outcome is being determined by an intentionally paralyzing electoral
law. Second, it has antagonized roughly 97% of the Italian parties against Europe's fiscal rules. These two factors are connected. By expecting that no party will clearly prevail, all political leaders feel free to sell the most unreal and reckless programs. Eventually, it is possible that this infantile strategy might only breed voter abstention, making the outcome of the vote on March 4 even less predictable.

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