Coalition Politics in Italy *

Abstract:

The caselet talks about the political coalitions existing in Italy and the difficulties with regard to leading a coalition government. It also throws light on the changing equations among the partners in Italy's coalition politics. The caselet discusses the relationship between parties in the coalition of the center-left Ulivo and focuses on the reforms introduced during the Prodi regime in Italy. It looks into the reasons for the existence of coalition politics.

Issues: » Existence of coalition politics in Italy. » Economic and political reforms during the Prodi regime. » Fragmentation of Center-left Ulivo of Italy. Introduction There are two major political coalitions in Italy – the ruling right-of-center (center-right) Casa delle Liberta (House of Freedoms), headed by Silvio Berlusconi, and the center-left Ulivo (Olive Tree), led by Romano Prodi. The other two parties – the far-left Partito della Rifondazione Comunista and the Radicali -- do not form a part of either coalition. The center-right coalition includes parties like Forza Italia, the Unione Democratico-Cristiana e di Centro, Alleanza Nazionale, and the Lega Nord (Northern League). The center-left coalition includes the Democratici di Sinistra (DS), the Partito dei Comunisti Italiani, the Socialisti Democratici Italiani,

Questions for Discussion:

1. Examine the role played by Prodi so far. What are the possible steps that he can take to ensure a united center left?
2. Briefly discuss the political environment of Italy.

Key words:
Political coalitions, parliamentary elections, post World War II, vote of confidence, Euro nations, budget deficits, huge public debt, public administration, corporate governance laws, European Commission, European Parliament elections, transnational direct election, coalition politics

* This caselet is intended for use only in class discussions.
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