Groundless ‘Red Scare’ in Italy

A center-left coalition won big in Italy’s election last week, and the large presence of the former Communist Party in its ranks is raising eyebrows in America. It should not.

The coalition is composed of several parties and political groups, including the Democratic Party of the Left (PDS), some former Christian Democrats, Greens, Communists and others. Neither the coalition nor any of its members is calling for a Communist system.

What was promised on the campaign trail was a reformist government that could modernize Italy’s institutions and finances to reduce the government’s deficit and debt. Members of the coalition spoke of accelerating the privatization of state holdings and pushing for more equitable taxation. They also said they wanted to make Italy more like the most advanced European countries, working within the framework of the European Union.

It’s encouraging to hear Romano Prodi, the next prime minister and the respected economics professor who heads the coalition, championing the reform movement. Whether Prodi has the political skills to succeed in his crusade is a great unknown; his academic credentials are no measure of his ability to survive the treacherous waters of realpolitik.

Italy’s greatest public problem lies in its political setup. As expected, the election showed once again its structural failure. In the 630-seat Chamber of Deputies, the Olive Tree Coalition won 284 seats. The coalition will need to work with another party to have a majority. In the 315-seat Senate, the coalition won 157 seats. This means there too the coalition will need another alliance to achieve a majority.

To accomplish the necessary reform of the state, a strong government is needed, and that will not happen until Italy establishes a more stable political system.

The truth is that there are just too many political parties jockeying for seats in the two chambers, and governance is more and more an ephemeral juggling act. Fifty-five governments since World War II testify to that fact.