From Berlusconi to Monti [Paperback]

In 2011, Silvio Berlusconis government fell amid a severe financial crisis that called into question the sustainability of Italys enormous public debt. But Italys entire political class suffered a downgrade at the hands of Europe, the markets, national elites, and many Italian citizens. From the beginning of 2011, the parties appeared weak and lacking in any vision, capable only of reacting poorly to events and interpreting them within the tired pro-/anti-Berlusconi frame that had dominated politics for two decades. Throughout the year, those shaping the key events came from outside the main parties: the president of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano; the new president of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi; the leader of Confindustria, Emma Marcegaglia; the new mayors of Milan and Naples; the promoters of the referendums in June; and, last but by no means least, the European Union, foreign leaders, and the markets. In November, the downgrade of Italys parties was made official by the installation of a technocratic government, led by Mario Monti. By the years end, it therefore seemed clear that while the Third Republic had not yet begun, the Second was breathing its last.

List of Abbreviations

Chronology of Italian Political Events, 2011
Compiled by Rinaldo Vignati

ARTICLES

Introduction: The Monti Government and the Downgrade of Italian Parties
Anna Bosco and Duncan McDonnell

End of an Era: The Disintegration of the Italian Party System
Luigi Ceccarini, Ilvo Diamanti and Marc Lazar

The Formation of the Monti Government and the Role of the President of the Republic
Carlo Fusaro

The Transformation of Party Leadership
Mauro Barisione

The 2011 local elections: Berlusconi lost. But who won?
Guido Legnante

Federal Reform: The End of the Beginning or thl“›