ROME
Italians are desperate as to whether the September 25 general election will produce solutions to global and local problems.
Italy, which has been mired in economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is preparing to hold elections on Sunday in the shadow of many problems, notably high energy costs caused by the Russia-Ukraine war that is about to loom faded from the effects of the pandemic.
“I have no expectations. Unfortunately I’m very demoralized now, we don’t know who to vote for,” said Roberto, who runs a kiosk near the Spanish Steps, a famous tourist attraction in Rome.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, he said current technocratic Prime Minister Mario Draghi has handled it well so far.
“There is no need to name names, not only (Matteo) Salvini and (Giorgia) Meloni, but also (Enrico) Letta, (Matteo) Renzi and (Carlo) Calenda cannot solve the current problems. The others and theirs too seeing promises, I think Draghi is much better suited for that, at least Draghi saw value and respect in Europe.”
Stefano, a restaurant owner in Rome, now cited the energy crisis as the main problem and how it impacted his business.
“Now the challenge is clearly to solve the energy and gas problem that has led to excessive costs, especially for businesses. The second option is to lower the taxes that are too high,” he suggested.
“What do I think of the elections? I hope there will be a wave of fresh, new and better ideas, a more European Italy in line with the northern European countries,” he said.
Energy crisis, cost of living
Sasha, a local tourist in Rome from Florence, pointed out that energy and living costs have increased with the effects of the war. “We certainly expect them to try to solve our problems, but honestly I don’t have much hope.”
He said: “The election campaign has been quite embarrassing but let’s see what happens, the elections are coming up.
“We certainly expect them to cut bills, energy, electricity and gas costs because frankly it’s unbearable. It’s difficult to reach the end of the month and make ends meet at the supermarket, even with groceries. The cost of groceries has risen sharply.”
Simona, one of the taxi drivers in Rome, said she had no expectations for the elections.
“I don’t have high expectations … I don’t see anyone capable.”
Simona said she was happy with Draghi because of the visibility in Europe, but “to date I don’t see great prospects, I’m not optimistic for these elections, even if I’m going to vote, it’s my duty as a citizen, that’s how it will be.” do.”
She added, “I don’t have high hopes, to be honest, because I think there’s a lack of competent people.”
will not vote
Gianpaolo, a taxi driver in Rome, said he would not be taking part in the elections.
“There is one political force that I have always followed, I am for the left, but personally I will not vote in these elections,” he said.
“I don’t feel represented, I don’t care about the centre-right opposition and from my side they don’t make any suggestions that I could share…so I don’t know,” he added.
Lavigna, a member of the public, said that in Italy in recent years too many technocrats have been prime ministers or that a government of unelected people has been formed.
“I think it’s fair that we stop having technocrats in government and that we have a party or someone elected by the people,” she said.
“I think a party will win that I won’t vote for, but I think it’s fair that if people vote for them, they govern.”
Anadolu Agency’s website contains only part of the news offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), in summary form. Please contact us for subscription options.
