ITALY: Uphill struggle for the government
Turmoil within the Five Star Movement (M5S) is complicating the government’s path ahead, mainly due to its impact on the strength in parliament of the ruling coalition. A plan for economic recovery and reform is nowhere to be seen. The focus of the government remains on ea… Become a member to read the rest […]
ITALY: Con-Te (With You) or Without?
The relationship between Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and the coalition parties is set to become increasingly fractious. The main risks for Conte are infighting with the Five Star Movement and his own ego. Regardless of Conte’s political fate, the likelihood of snap elect… Become a member to read the rest of this article
ITALY: A “relaunch” to nowhere
The government approved yesterday a new economic aid package – worth EUR 55bn – aimed at helping families and businesses damaged by the Covid-19 outbreak. Originally optimistically entitled “The April Decree” and now rebaptized “The Relaunch Decree”, the document contains 256 art… Become a member to read the rest of this article
EUROPE: The politics of exit strategies
This piece provides an updated overview of the lockdown exit strategies currently being implemented by selected European governments, and the surrounding politics. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss any of the countries mentioned in more detail. Italy L… Become a member to read the rest of this article
ITALY: Government struggling while anger grows
As outlined by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte last Sunday, Italy will start gradually easing its lockdown on 4 May. Yet, Conte’s problems have soared since his announcement. The government’s hold on the emergency – never strong – is challenged due to mounting clashes with regional… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
ITALY: No real “phase 2” and no strategy
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has given a televised address outlining how Italy will begin easing its Covid-19 lockdown. The main takeaway is that the government has no strategy on how to handle the critical easing phase nor on how to reboot the economy. The speech was more notab… Become a member to read the […]
ITALY: A perfect storm on the horizon
● The political backdrop is set to worsen in the weeks ahead with a likely adverse impact on the exit strategy. ● As for the 23 April European Council, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will accept the likely deal that will kick down the road the question on how to pay for the tempo… Become […]
Macro Series – Postcard – Italy: a harbinger for Europe and perhaps beyond
In the eye of the Covid-19 storm, early-stage signs are that the lockdown may be working. Italy being at the forefront of the epidemic in Europe, it may prove instructive to follow developments there more closely than usual. Italy’s March 10 lockdown was early – two weeks … Become a member to read the […]
ITALY: Crisis mismanagement and toxic politics prevail
As Italy enters a crucial week to confirm if a trend reversal has been achieved in terms of new daily infections, the political atmosphere is becoming increasingly toxic. This is mainly due to the government’s inept crisis-management and the opposition’s propensity to exploit the… Become a member to read the rest of this article
ITALY: Political impact of Covid-19 will materialize after the crisis
Italy is struggling to halt the spread of Covid-19 that has killed 148 people and infected 3858 individuals (as of 5 March at 6pm local time). The data released on 5 March by the authorities indicated that the number of infected increased by almost 600 individuals over the previo… Become a member to read […]