After the national election in Italy this week, it is unknown how the results will pan out. The elections were a very divided issue, unable to produce a winner due to two major parties, neither of which had won a large enough majority to create a parliamentary system. The two parties, the anti-establishment 5 Star Movement, and a center-right coalition including former premier Silvio Berlusconi and the anti-immigrant League, both have radical populist ideals. One option is for the two parties to both merge to form a single government, which would greatly affect the European Union's rules due to their ideology. However, this decision would face many political problems that arise from both parties' political strategies. Both parties have appealed to their respective sides of Italy, either the wealthier North or the depressed South.
Discussion Questions:
1. What does this show about demographics, especially when compared to "recent" US and French elections featuring populists?
2. What is the proper way to deal with a massive immigration issue, which leads to countries forming political coalitions to deal with said immigrants?
3. How do you think the EU will respond to Italy's new political policies, should these two populist parties come into power?
Many anti-immigration parties have been rising in power, not just in Italy, but also in most of Europe as immigrants from Africa and the Middle East come into Europe. Indeed, a clear cause and effect can be established as countries with less immigration tend to be less anti-immigration. I think the solution is to ensure that people within these countries feel connected with the new immigrants through naturalization programs. Though they may be expensive and feel like they are destroying the original culture, they would also help the original citizens feel more at peace with the new arrivals.
ReplyDeleteThe election in Italy may indicate that parties—or candidates, like in the US’s case—that offer a more “radical” view are becoming increasingly popular. A proper way to deal with a massive immigration issue would by how Alex suggested: having naturalisation programs to ensure people with the countries the immigrants end up in feel more connected with the migrants, and more importantly, feel more safe and secure living in the same area as them. In addition, it may help if countries better organized how the immigrants are distributed (where they end up). If the two new populists parties come into power, the EU may end up having Italy’s input taken with a grain of salt—or if possible—have Italy’s input weakened until they are sure that the party’s judgment will not perversely impact the wellbeing and safety of the EU.
ReplyDeleteI think that the merge of two nationalist ideals would likely lead to a greatly increased rate of anti immigrant sentiment. The loss of Italy from the EU may also be considered, which significantly reduces the unity of the continent and affect their development. As audrey said. Naturalization programs are quite important in increasing understanding with immigrants and help people learn to integrate together.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea that another country could rise in Europe with the same wild, conservative government that Britain has right now could lead to many issues. First of all, another country could possibly also leave the EU, hurting its own economy and the EU itself for no reason other than some delusional resentment. Immigration intake into Italy going down could also lead to a major issue as the immigration crisis is already terrible with many people suffering, and more suffering will occur the more anti-immigration sentiment gets passed around. Overall, this election still has not shown its outcome, and though there are no real good choice most likely nothing major will occur.
ReplyDeleteThis article shows just how widespread the recent nationalistic trend is in Europe. Like France and the UK, Italy is also in danger of falling into a dangerous nationalistic and divisive trend that could produce ever more isolationist and partisan leaders, leading to a stall in government progress. Immigration is a large and complex issue that remains extremely prevalent in Europe, especially due to the large amounts of middle eastern refugees fleeing to the EU. The solution is to provide aid and diplimatic resolution to repair the issue in the middle east so that the refugees can return home. However, since that seems like its very far off, I agree with Jung Haye in that naturalization programs are integral to melding the EU with the refugees it has so graciously accepted. Another important step is to attempt to decrease nationalistic sentiment which creates widespread issues.
ReplyDelete