When it comes to government collapses or shutdowns, no one seems to take the cake as Italy does. Since World War II, Italy has cycled through 61 different governments. This is an extreme number, and there has one been one prime minister who has served a full 5-year term in the last 3 decades. On Tuesday, Italy’s government yet again collapsed leaving nothing more but another power struggle laying in its midst. This country has already been struggling with financial crises and political instability for the last 14 months, and this government collapse has lead to rises of fear and uncertainty amongst citizens.

The party in control is a far-right, anti-migrant group that has seemingly caused nothing but chaos. The party, 5 Star Movement (M5S) fell apart after the Interior Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, said he would be pushing for a bid in early elections. Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, accused Salvini of attempting a power grab. Conte insisted that Salvini was using political opportunism, and then unrest to gain power. Prime Minister Conte did resign, but he did so in a way that left no way for Salvini to attempt to grasp power.



How the citizens feel

The citizens of Italy feel overwhelmed and disappointed. They feel that the government has no actual care for them, just the power they could obtain. In an interview with the guardian, one citizen stated, “ This situation shows that our political institutions are inadequate and do not represent us. They are all just opportunistic. Sergio Mattarella is the only one with a sense of duty and correctness, the only one.”

Sergio Mattarella is Italy’s president, and in his speech he gave on Thursday night, he made some choices clear. Either the political parties come together to make a new government or he will force elections. Citizens feel that Salvini holds much of the blame, for his policies have focused centrally on anti-migrant policies and not enough on the people at home. Another citizen, Orlando Liparelli, who was also interviewed stated, “ Salvini has only focused on immigration, where the focus should be on creating jobs, that’s what we need to move this country forward”. Italian citizens think the focuses of a government should be on its people and acting in the interests of citizens, not seek out their own agenda.

What can come next?

The next steps to be taken need to be completed by Tuesday. The M5S needs to form a coalition with the Democratic Party if they want to stop an early election which by the poll results, could leave them out of office. These are two parties that are virtual opposites and a coalition government by them is destined for failure, no matter if they can get it together in the first place.

The next days that unfold in Italy will be critical for their government, the political instability and unrest are sure to linger with uncertainty. As we’ve seen time and time again, history shall repeat itself.

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