February 17, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Romano Prodi is slowly re-gaining support in Italy, according to a poll by IPR Marketing published in La Repubblica. 38 per cent of respondents express confidence in their prime minister, up two points in a month.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Romano Prodi is slowly re-gaining support in Italy, according to a poll by IPR Marketing published in La Repubblica. 38 per cent of respondents express confidence in their prime minister, up two points in a month.

Italian voters renewed the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate in April 2006. The Union (Unione) of centre-left parties, 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 Silvio 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 Feb. 16, Prodi discussed the diplomatic efforts that led to a commitment of nuclear disarmament by North Korea, declaring, "The Beijing talks are an example of cooperation between many countries, especially nearby countries, on the nuclear problem involving North Korea. This method should work for all the dossiers on the table, starting with Iran."

Polling Data

Do you have confidence in Italian prime minister Romano Prodi?

	Feb. 2007	Jan. 2007
Yes	38%	36%
No	57%	59%

Source: IPR Marketing / La Repubblica
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 Italian adults, conducted on Feb. 12, 2007. No margin of error was provided.