Free Preview of Members-Only Content
To view the requested intelligence, you must be a Stratfor.com member.
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano dissolved the Italian parliament Feb. 6, citing the inability to form a new coalition government after the Jan. 24 collapse of Prime Minister Romano Prodi’s government. Champagne corks were popped in parliament after the decision — and shortly thereafter, champagne bottles were thrown — signaling the launch of the always-entertaining spectacle of an Italian election campaign. Elections will be held April 13-14.
Prodi is probably the most competent prime minister Italy has had in a generation. During his first term in the big chair, Italy did most of the heavy lifting needed to qualify to join the euro — a Herculean task, considering Italy’s age-old tradition of debt and corruption.
| Stratfor Members, please log in at the top left hand corner |

