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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Italians Want Elections to Solve Political Crisis
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Italy believe the only way out of the current political stalemate is an election, according to a poll by Ispo published by Corriere della Sera. 61 per cent of respondents want to hold a new legislative ballot, while 33 per cent would agree to the formation of a caretaker administration.
Italian voters renewed the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate in April 2006. The Union, led by Romano Prodi, secured 348 seats in the lower house and 158 seats in the upper house. The victory put an end to the government of the centre-right House of Freedom (Casa), headed by Berlusconi.
In May 2006, Prodi was formally appointed as prime minister. The Union leader had previously served as head of government from May 1996 to October 1998.
On Jan. 24, Prodi lost a confidence vote in Parliament and was forced to step down. Italian president Giorgio Napolitano said a caretaker prime minister would be appointed. Senate president Franco Marini has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the job.
On Jan. 25, Berlusconi called for an early election, saying, "There is no reason to waste any more time, we must go to the polls as quickly as possible." In November 2007, Berlusconi announced the creation of the Italian People of Freedom Party (PdL).
On Jan. 26, Prodi ruled out a comeback and announced his retirement from political life, declaring, "Now I will practice my role as a grandfather."
Polling Data
If the government were to fall, which one of these scenarios would you prefer?
|
Holding a new legislative election |
61% |
|
Forming a caretaker administration |
33% |
|
Not sure |
6% |
Source: Ispo / Corriere della Sera
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 300 Italian adults, conducted on Jan. 22, 2008. Margin of error is 6 per cent.