Venice is a sad tale of repeated failure

The floods in Venice that have killed two people and damaged hundreds of buildings appear inexorable. Yet there’s nothing inevitable about the increased frequency of these floods and the failings of the Italian state to protect Venice. Man-made climate change is, of course, the main culprit. But so is the bureaucracy and corruption undermining the preservation of this stunning artistic landmark.

Since 1966, the Italian government has debated how best to protect the city. In the late 1980s it settled on a project called MOSE, to build a system of mobile gates outside the city’s lagoon. The development is already over budget. It should have been finished by 2016, but its inauguration is now expected in 2022. The long history of MOSE is a sad tale of bureaucratic obstruction and corruption. Environmental groups and politicians sought to stop it repeatedly. Several local and national politicians have faced charges of corruption.

Venice and MOSE encapsulate broader problems. Italy has cut back on infrastructure investment, with politicians often blaming EU-imposed austerity measures. But MOSE shows adequate funds don’t guarantee that major projects are done well and completed on time. An efficient public administration and justice system are equally important. Italy’s political class needs to take a hard look at itself over MOSE’s failings, as nobody comes out of this well.