Tagged with Beppe Grillo

Italy shows the weakness of the European left

The latest general election to take place in Europe, this time in Italy, seems to confirm that the political left across the continent will continue to suffer if it fails to present an inspiring alternative to austerity.

I say seems to – Italian politics and its shifting party names and electoral alliances makes it difficult for a occasional viewer to follow, but the result seems to match trends across Europe.

The Italian centre-left seems to have squeezed a victory of sorts, but it could have and should have done better.

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Grillonomics: the ideas behind the Italy’s no.1 political party

Beppe Grillo and his Five Star Movement have emerged as the single largest party in Italy’s elections held 24-25 February. But what do we know of his policies? Here’s a recent analysis by economist Vladimiro Giacché which originally appeared in Italian at MicroMega.

In dealing with the economic programme of the Five Star Movement we should first clear up in advance possible misunderstandings. One for all: this writer does not belong to the category of those who believe the movement founded by Beppe Grillo is a dangerous subversive movement with which it is pointless to have a dialogue and whose ideas cannot even be taken into account.

I will consider the programme as you do (or should do) with the programme of every party or movement: discussing the merits of the offering.  The Five Star Movement has a programme. In fact, it has two. Continue reading →