Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Economy
The country is suffering economically and or-
dinary Italians are feeling the pain of austerity
measures coupled with seemingly perpetual
recession. In addition governments continue to
be fragile and divided. As taxes and prices
have risen, opportunities for employment have
shrunk and wages flatlined; life in Italy is
bleak for many. In 2013, one news story
among many seemed to encapsulate the woes
of the country: a couple in their 60s from Civ-
itanova Marche committed suicide, unable to
struggle on any longer on their small pension.
Best Contemporary Songs
'Le Radici Ca Tieni'
(Sud Sound System;
2003) Radical southern group sing about
not forgetting your roots in a ragga-tradi-
tional music mash up.
'Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volare)'
(Domen-
ico Modugno; 1958) Infernally catchy,
eternally sunny Eurovision hit.
'Ride on Time'
(Black Box; 1989) Semin-
al Italo-house track stormed the dance
floors in the late '80s.
'Albachiara'
(Vasco Rossi; 1979) The po-
etic, rock Italian singer-songwriter's
biggest hit.
2013 Elections
The rise of former comedian Beppe Grillo's
Five Star Movement, backed by 1 in 4 voters
in the February 2013 elections, is an indica-
tion of how disillusioned Italians are, particu-
larly the young, with traditional politics. Res-
ults from the election were inconclusive, res-
ulting in a hung parliament.
Though ex-prime minister Silvio Ber-
lusconi did not take office in 2013, he retained
a hold on power, as Enrico Letta's new right-
left coalition depends on the support of Ber-
lusconi's People of Freedom (PdL) movement.
It may seem incredible to outsiders, observing
Berlusconi's scandal-mired life, but opinion
polls continue to put the PdL movement out in
front.
Best Blogs
Beppe Grillo
(
www.beppegrillo.it/en/
)
Game-changing comedic and political
musings of controversial comedian turned
political leader.
Italian Politics with Watson
(
ht-
tp://italpolblog.blogspot.se
)
Clear-cut and
insightful discussions of political intrigues
and intricacies.
La Tavola Marche
American expat chef and food writer write
on local cuisine and delicious recipes.
