Some things never change!! I remember in the '60s it was the same thing. At that time the Christian Democrats were in charge and they were crooks. Mafia using inferior materials for construction projects resulting in collapses, money disappearing from Italy, people forced to emigrate to Northern Europe to find work.
It doesn't matter, left or right, once in power they're all corrupt. Look at Craxi, who was head of the socialist party.
Corruption is not a left or right thing. It's an Italian thing.
Carlopesca's post is right on. The system needs changing, but it won't as long as these people call the shots. We need representative democracy. Not a system that relies heavily on patronage.
Italy has made outstanding progress, despite its failed political system. It is thanks to the ingenuity of its people that we're among the top 8 economies in the world. Imagine how far we'd go if we actually had honest and competent leaders.

So, Melbournegirl, you're not "pazza". Go to Italy, if you want to. Don't let the screwed up politicians ruin your dream.

??? Well of course. I'm going June 16th and then every year after.

Italian politics are no more if not less corrupt than U.S. politics. Sto Scherzando ma è vero. Notice the accent on the è. Alt and type in 0232 with the # pad on the right.

Yup. Off to Rimini next month, then Milan in July :-) Love the place.

Grazie a tutti.

Better go do my grammar drills.

Augustus, you are absolutely right. Eighth biggest economy, that is an achievement. I will be laughing. I think the issues in Ireland were bringing me down, the issues are universal and it take all of us in our own quiet way to turn the wheel hopefully in a better direction.

Isn't this so interesting!