Italian Elections In Less Than Two Months

For John, BLUF:  Sure, we can see it as comic opera, but it could be very important for the future of Europe.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Why Europe will be closely watching Italy’s election

This is from the Canadian paper The Globe and Mail, by Reporter Eric Reguly, 12 January 2018.

Here is the lede:

Fans of wild and nasty election campaigns will enjoy the spectacle of Italians going to the polls on March 4.  The wide-open election could see the comeback of Silvio Berlusconi, the former prime minister whose outlandish mix of politics and "bunga bunga" partying almost landed him in prison.  The other outcome is the election of the populist, anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S), led by firebrand comedian Beppe Grillo.  This week, with voters in mind, each party has been fine-tuning its position on Italy's place in the European Union and whether to use the euro.  Mr. Grillo is dialling down his euro skepticism and Mr. Berlusconi is embracing the EU, the opposite of their previous stances.  Entertainment value aside, all European eyes are on the Italian election, the continent's biggie for 2018.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff