In the article “Berlusconi Steps Down, and Italy Pulses With Change,” by Rachel Donadio and Elisabetta Povoledo, the Italian public’s reaction to Berlusconi’s resignation and the reasons behind his resignation are discussed. Berlusconi was forced to resign after seventeen years mainly due to the European debt crisis and also the fact that he had spent all of his political capital. This crisis has not only caused Berlusconi to step down, but also Prime Minister George A. Papandreou in Greece, because the financial markets are in complete turmoil and have therefore completely affected the democratic processes. Berlusconi decided that he would step down after “the Italian Parliament approved austerity measures sought by the European union,” and right after they were approved, Berlusconi stepped down. Mario Monti is considered the frontrunner to replace Berlusconi and his mandate must be to reduce Italy’s $2.6 trillion public debt and to increase growth in order to keep the country competitive. “The austerity measures approved by lawmakers include selling state assets and increasing the retirement age to 67 from 65 by 2-26. They would also decrease the power of processional guilds, privatize municipal services and offer tax breaks to companies that hire young workers.”
The public’s reaction to Berlusconi’s resignation are varied, including some people cheering and others weeping, but regardless, it is a turning point in Italy’s history. The Italian public is hopeful that things will change with Monti, but many agree, “things can’t get any worse.”
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