Rome rattles Europe

Political turmoil in Italy was once rarely considered news much beyond its borders. Since the Second World War it has had 65 governments and almost as many prime ministers. Once again, its politicians are struggling to form an administration – only this time their endeavours are being watched with mounting concern in the chanceries of Europe.

An inconclusive election in March left political power potentially in the hands of two parties that challenge eurozone orthodoxies. The ensuing alliance of the mainly southern Five Star movement and the northern La Liga reflects the regional divisions within Italy. Yet neither are enamoured of EU membership, despite Italy being one of the founder states of the Common Market. Now their attempt to forge a coalition has foundered after the president, Sergio Mattarella, rejected the nomination of an anti-euro finance minister. The president insists he is within his constitutional rights to appoint a prime minister and an interim government, pending fresh elections.

Italy is the latest EU nation to feel the march of populism across the continent. The would-be coalition was planning tax cuts, pension reforms, tougher immigration controls and was demanding changes to the eurozone’s tough debt ratio requirements to ease austerity. The real issue, as in the UK during the EU referendum, is sovereignty. A sense that Italy is no longer able to make its own decisions in its own interests underpins the current crisis, and its people are increasingly willing to stand up to the German economic dogmas that are largely responsible for the high unemployment across southern Europe.

Another election looms and this time, Five Star could strengthen its position substantially. Then the EU really would have a crisis on its hands.