Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mario Monti took over until the inconclusive elections of February 2013. After lengthy
post-electoral negotiations, Enrico Letta, a member of the Partito Democratico (PD), was
named prime minister, heading a precarious right-left coalition.
The death of Pope John Paul II in April 2005 saw a gob-smacking four million mourners pour
into Rome in a single week amid chants of '
santo subito'
('sainthood now').
It's difficult to see how any of contemporary Italy's problems, relating mainly to the
black economy, mafia, corruption, nepotism, lack of growth, unemployment (particularly
among the young) and the low birth rate coupled with an ageing population, may be ad-
dressed with any success, in such an uncertain political and economic climate.
Some Italians believe that the Five Star Movement, started by comedian -activist Beppe
Grillo, offers a glimmer of hope. The movement won around 25% of the votes in the
February 2013 election, despite not appearing on TV and campaigning only via the inter-
net and huge rallies across Italy. This new, young movement (the average age of its politi-
cians is 37, two decades younger than other parties) subsequently refused to make any
post-electoral deals with the other parties, wanting to differentiate itself from the old polit-
ical class. 'Five Star' refers to its principal policy issues of access to water, environment-
alism, sustainable transport, internet connectivity and development. Only time will tell if
the Five Star movement will cause the sea change that it desires.
TIMELINE
c 700,000 BC
As long ago as 700,000 BC, primitive tribes lived in caves and hunted elephants, rhinocer-
os, hippopotamus and other hefty wild beasts on the Italian peninsula.
2000 BC
The Bronze Age reaches Italy. Hunter-gatherers have settled as farmers. The use of copper
and bronze to fashion tools and arms marks a new sophistication.
474 BC
