Italy still doesn’t have a government these days, but Italy being Italy, not all that many Italians seem to have noticed. It’s a little like New Orleans in that way.
Searching for a new president after three days of indecisive balloting, the country’s parliament, in an unprecedented move, settled on the old one, who is 87 and finally agreed to accept the job and headache. The post is largely ceremonial-except when it comes to picking someone who can cobble together a government. Which will require a fine Italian hand, considering Italy’s non-existent consensus and its bitterly divided three parties (at last count). Anyone looking to make a case for a two-party system need only cast an eye on Italy for its advantages.
Italy’s once and future president would seem to have the requisite experience, especially with failure, being a former Communist. Meanwhile, one can be assured, the important things will be taken care of in Italy: food, wine and all that jazz, or rather opera. Yes, a little like New Orleans.
Editorial, Pages 14 on 04/23/2013