Reuters — Italy’s president dissolved Italian parliament on Thursday setting the election date on 4 March thereby launching a two-month campaign that will mark the next big political test for the EU.
The election is shaping up to be a three-way contest between Five Star Movement, which is first in national polls; and a resurgent centre-right, led by former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi in conjunction with the anti-euro Northern League.
Although Italy returned to economic growth, the recovery has been sluggish and many Italians have not seen any tangible improvement yet.
Meanwhile, the country has had to cope to with a large influx of migrants rescued in the Mediterranean. Both factors have led to a sharp drop in the PD’s poll numbers, and fuelled opposition parties ahead of the election.
Five Star, which polls suggest is likely to emerge from the election in first place,said last week it would be willing to entertain deals with other parties in order to form a government.
All the parties that are expected to form the next government oppose the Fiscal Compact or have plans for a parallel currency to boost the economy.
The parties contesting the election:
Ruling Democratic Party, leader Matteo Renzi (42)
Policies: negotiate with Italy’s partners to abolish the EU’s Fiscal Compact which imposes steep budget cuts on high-debt countries such as Italy. Raise the budget deficit to 3 percent of gross domestic product for five years in order to cut taxes and increase investment. Continuity in social and foreign policy, with Italy maintaining its traditional pro-NATO stance.
Support sliding in opinion polls, now at around 23 percent.
5-Star Movement, leader Luigi Di Maio (31)
Italy’s most popular party, according to polls. Support stable at around 28 percent.
Forza Italia, leader Silvio Berlusconi (81).
Policies: Introduce parallel currency for domestic use to boost the economy while keeping the euro for international trade and use by tourists; replace current staggered income tax rates with a single rate “flat tax” of around 23 percent for both individuals and companies; double monthly minimum pensions to 1,000 euros; abolish housing tax, inheritance tax and road tax on most cars; tax breaks for pet owners; guarantee minimum income of 1,000 euros per month for everyone; block the arrival of immigrants through accords with North African countries. Berlusconi is pro-NATO but boasts of his friendship with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Berlusconi cannot run at the election due to a tax fraud conviction. He has not yet said who Forza Italia’s candidate for prime minister will be.
Support rising, around 16 percent, making it the most popular party in a center-right coalition expected to win most seats at the election.
Northern League, leader Matteo Salvini (44).
Policies: Parallel currency for domestic use; push for abolition of the Fiscal Compact and Stability Pact; leave the euro as soon as it is politically feasible; “flat tax” for individuals and companies at 15 percent; repeal 2011 pension reform to allow earlier retirement; immigration crackdown by intercepting and sending back migrant boats and repatriating up to 100,000 illegal immigrants per year; toughen penalties for violent crime; improve relations with Russia.
Support slipping, around 13 percent.
Brothers of Italy, leader Giorgia Meloni (40).
Policies: Immigration crackdown by intercepting and sending back migrant boats and repatriating illegal immigrants; toughen penalties for violent crime; improve relations with Russia. Policies generally close to the Northern League’s but unlike the League, its support is based in central and southern Italy.
Support stable at around 5 percent.
Left-wing party formed this month to unite small movements which had left the PD in dissent with Renzi, who they said had moved it too far to the right.
Policies: Repeal 2014 labour reform to make firing harder; soften 2011 pension reform to end automatic increases in the retirement age on the basis of rising life expectancy, increase spending on education, health and public works; improve relations with Russia and fully recognize state of Palestine.
Support rising gradually, around 7 percent.
