This is the question many Italians will be asking each other regarding Prodi’s chances of surviving the confidence vote his government is about to face. Oddly enough, it does appear as though Prodi may manage to hang on by the skin of his teeth. We shall see.
Actually, Prodi is quite highly regarded outside of Italy – as a recent article in the Financial Times pointed out, and certain members of his team have been quietly beavering away and achieving a few things. For example, there has been a crack down on tax evasion, and systems are finally being installed that will make it much more difficult for Italians to avoid paying up. The recent introduction of personalised pharmacy receipts is an example of this.
What is even odder (except for the opposition run Mediaset) is that the media in general seem to ignore any of this government’s achievements, and Prodi is not exactly the ‘blowing his own trumpet type’ either. This does not help too much, especially in the face of media-savvy Berlusconi who knows a thing or two about blowing trumpets, and is not at all averse to it. However, with a few notable exceptions, it’s almost as if the much of the nation lacks a good deal of self-confidence, which is strange seeing as there is no shortage of talent here, and many Italian brands are well known at an international level.
Even at a local level, Italy is choc-a-block full of entrepreneurs, and the Lombardy region, I was reading on Wikipedia, can boast one of the highest per capita GDPs in the whole world, higher even than Saudi Arabia! This shows just what Italy and its population can do when they want to.
Just because everyone else is being pessimistic about this country, does not mean that I have to be too, even if I do grumble about many things here. I shall just say that my relationship with Italy is a little like that of the school teacher who knows that his or her pupil can, not could, but can, do better, much better. Not that Italy is ‘my pupil’, but I think you will understand what I’m trying to say.
AlexR says
Gege’ – I’m going to write something on the Mastella man and his delusions….
As for the optimism thing – try it! You never know, it may make you feel better, and you may end up actually laughing at the things people like Mastella and co come up with.
Let’s laugh these people out of existence!
All the best,
Alex
Gege' Bau says
…although… seeing all of you optimists in here, I could almost say it’s downright infectious, your intrepid faith in the power of goodness in people to bring about positive change. I suppose by nature and experience I tend toward pessimism, but I’d love to try out this optimism thing, take it out for a whirl, a drive around the block. See if it works.
I just can’t help but wonder, though – where is everyone? When Clemente Mastella can boldly stand up last night with TV cameras whirring away, accusing Prodi of every ill in the world including teenage acne… and playing for sympathy that his poor wife’s under house arrest… Where is everyone? Why don’t they take off their shoes and throw them at these people, yelling ENOUGH ALREADY WITH THE BULLSHIT!
Gege' Bau says
Well it looks like he’ll go now! ;oP
I’m really disgusted with Prodi and everyone in his coalition. I’m a die-hard lefty, a 60’s throwback, and will never give up hope in the truth and justice that the Left stands for. But a worse bunch of self-involved, spineless whiners, you’ll never find. Prodi, like Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic congress in the U.S., has totally thrown out a great opportunity to create real progressive change in a country that so desperately needs it.
Who was it that said that we get the government we deserve? UGH.
AlexR says
@Roam2Rome,
“Most expats vent, vent, vent. Some are downright bitter, but they still live in Italy. Honestly, I’m still trying to figure that one out…”
…I have been guilty of this:-( But, I love the country and the people, and I know so many good people that, at times I find it difficult to believe that Italy has so many problems.
“Well, I loved what you said that “just because everyone else does” doesn’t mean I have to do the same.”
When everyone is doing a place or a person down, we all tend to forget the positive aspects of said place or person. I guess I just want to try to be a little more balanced:-)
Thanks for dropping in – Alex
@ManofRoma – you are right – and it’s good to hear another Italian being so positive – at present, too many people are being negative – and this tends to create more problems than it solves – within reason. One can be realistic, without crossing the line into negativity (Again, this is something I have been guilty of from time to time…)
And I really and sincerely do hope you are right about the new generation!
All the best and thanks for popping in – Alex
ManofRoma says
I also think Italy has great potential, beauty and inner force. As an Italian (and as a Roman (always interacting with foreigners) I never had complexes about my origins or my nationality and I was always respected. I see new forces and a new generation ready to accept the challanges. I am a professional optimist.
Roam2Rome says
I do think that Italy has such potential and beauty! I see its good side, and have benefited so much from its Universities. My clients are Italian, too. Yes, there are huge challenges. I see them. But to me, the good outweighs the bad.
Most expats vent, vent, vent. Some are downright bitter, but they still live in Italy. Honestly, I’m still trying to figure that one out…
Well, I loved what you said that “just because everyone else does” doesn’t mean I have to do the same.
AlexR says
Rob, you are welcome. Italy is a frustrating, but fun place! And it has so much potential.
Alex
Wind Rose Hotel says
Thanks for caring so much about this strange country, Alex! Even though my opinion on Prodi is quite different than yours …