And I don't blame them one bit!
"Berlusconi barely survives votes; Italy’s political crisis not over" by Rachel Donadio, New York Times / December 15, 2010
ROME — Investors are eyeing Italy with increasing concern....
Then it is a crisis, and that is why it leads today's world news in my Globe.
The worst clashes in years erupted in Rome....
In many ways, the confidence vote was a kind of face-saving maneuver, allowing Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to claim victory and face reality tomorrow....
While political chaos is nothing new to Italy, this time the stakes are far higher, because markets are intensely focused on Italy’s high debt and slow growth. Yesterday, Berlusconi reiterated that fear of speculators was a reason for him to stay....
The protests added to the chaos. Tens of thousands marched through downtown Rome, demonstrating against a pending university overhaul and calling on Berlusconi to step down. Most protests were peaceful, but a small group of anarchists, whom local media dubbed the “black block,’’ clashed with the police and smashed shop windows....
Italians know all about agent provocateurs and Operation Gladio-type s***.
They even know the truth about 9/11.
Just two years ago, Berlusconi won national elections with a huge majority, after spending two years in the opposition. His return seemed to cement the firm grip he has held on the country’s politics for the better part of the past 15 years and its media for even longer. Since the 1980s, his private television empire has helped shape the popular imagination....
As in all nations, no?
--more--"
Related: Berlusconi faces no-confidence motion
Berlusconi’s grip on power weakens as 4 ministers quit
Also see:
Amanda Knox indicted on slander charge
Related: Pope orders clergy sex abuse summit
Top Italian Mafia boss is captured
Italian officer spots stolen statue on vacation
Statue add-ons pique Italian art restorers
Venice water campaign taps local resource
8 cyclists struck, killed by car in Italy
