Latin Lovers in Line for Change

Again I ask:

Will the conservative Sarkozy do for France what Thatcher did for Britain and Reagan the United States?

In other words, reinvigorate and set a new course for a stagnant nation that has suffered mightily in the hands of socialists?

Speaking of shaping up, a recent OECD study of European education (despite the contributions of the Montessori and Reggio schools) ranked Italy near the bottom. One of the problem is that Italy is a "grey" society in which young people get very few opportunities. The school system is filled with "tenured" people from grade school all the way to Italy's regressing Universities. The results are not acceptable in a country that once boasted one of better education systems in Europe.

Italy is another major European nation that is in need of a jolt. Italy has historically been considered an economic giant and political minnow. This is not to assume or conclude that Italy has not produced great statesmen. It has. However, very few have done it for a united Italy. Despite Berlusconi's conservative stances, his questionable character prevented him from truly having an impact there. Now the Italians are in the hands of a centre-left coalition led by Romano Prodi. His government seems proactive but Italy needs less socialist policies.

If France, already an organized society and with a somewhat complex political culture not unlike Italy's, is ripe for change then Italy is beyond this stage. Reading about the Italian political landscape is like trying to comb Medusa's head - I'm not sure which way is up or down. Or what or who can set Italy on a more rewarding path.

The Italian political system was not as chaotic as it has been made out to be during the post-war years - thanks in part to a booming economy and the fact that the country faced very little serious issues that threatened it. It worked fine for the Italian personality. But how long can this go on?