Monti casts his ballot in a polling station in Milan. — AFP photo
Millions turn out to vote as Europe holds its breath for signs of fresh instability in eurozone’s third economy
ROME: Italians fed up with austerity went to the polls yesterday in elections where the centre-left is the favourite, as Europe held its breath for signs of fresh instability in the eurozone’s third economy.
Millions turned out to vote for the first time since billionaire tycoon Silvio Berlusconi was ousted in 2011 during a wave of financial market panic and replaced by former Eurocrat Mario Monti.
The most likely winner is the Democratic Party and its leader Pier Luigi Bersani, but analysts say he may fall short of a majority and need to weave together a coalition that could prove unsteady.
Bersani has promised to stick to Monti’s budget discipline but says he will do more for growth and jobs as Italy endures its longest recession in 20 years and unemployment hits record highs.
“I am voting for the Democratic Party. I don’t want us to end up like Greece,” said Alessandro, a 63-year-old manager, as he cast his ballot in Milan. But the scandal-tainted Berlusconi, a three-time prime minister who is also a defendant in two trials for tax fraud and having sex with an underage prostitute, could come a close second.
“There’s a lot of confusion in these elections. I’m voting Berlusconi. I know he has his defects but he’s the best,” said Maria Teresa Gottardi, 65.
But many Italians disagree, like voter Sara Di Gregori, a 30-year-old lawyer in Rome, who warned: “If Berlusconi returns, it would be a disaster.”
In third place, according to the polls, could be a new protest party led by comedian turned activist Beppe Grillo who has channelled growing social discontent and anger at traditional politicians.
The ‘Grillini’ – as Grillo’s followers are known – could be a disruptive force in parliament.
“Italy votes in uncertainty,” read a headline in La Stampa daily, where editor Mario Calabresi wrote: “The truth is no-one has a magic wand.”
“New lawmakers will need to be realistic,” he said.
In Italy’s top-selling daily, Corriere della Sera, Barbara Stefanelli hailed the fact that the number of women in parliament might double this election.
“This is a major step forward to pass over the ditch that still keeps Italy on the wrong side of any acceptable sign of modernity,” she wrote.
Polling stations close at 2100 GMT yesterday and open again for a second day of voting at 0600 GMT today, closing at 1400 GMT.
Exit polls are expected immediately after the close and preliminary official results will begin trickling through later today.
Officials have called on Italians to vote amid fears that general disenchantment with politics could mean a much lower turnout than usual.
Forty-seven million Italians are eligible to vote. — AFP