Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
New documents confirm early history of euro project. Numerous shortcomings were apparent right from start. Politicians realised Italy was an economic basket case. But chose to ignore the facts. After all this was a political project
"It is an understanding, a way of justice, a means of creating wealth and spreading it around. It has been a part of life in Naples for centuries—far longer than the fragile construct called Italy has even existed"
Travelling from Venice to Lampedusa prompts reflections on changing nature of Italian society, how migration is re-shaping old Europe and challenging it both politically and culturally. Interesting throughout
Marcus Cicero's younger brother wrote a manual for winning Roman elections in 64BC. His advice still holds good. "Every day, as you go down to the Forum, you should say to yourself: 'I am an outsider. I want to be Consul'."
Draghi defends Greek bailout, austerity measures. "Before we move to a fiscal union we have to have in place a system where countries can show they can stand on their own. This is the prerequisite for countries to trust each other"
Sharp analysis of Italian politics, economy. And of course Super Mario. Three months in and all looks relatively rosy. But technocrats can't govern forever. Will his programme of reform survive the next election?
Interview with former Italian PM, now a solitary figure padding around his huge homes in thick make-up, wearing jogging pants and platform trainers. Still able to work up the charm when he wants to; gaffes haven't gone away either
Italy is marked by "a tendency to foment and then thrive on a gap between the official version of events and their actual course, between rules and practice, appearance and reality". So how will change affect Italy, and Italians?
Angela Merkel is engaged in a dangerous dance, says former German foreign minister. Approach of elections is causing her to ask wrong question: Not what should be done to save Europe, but how much Germans can be expected to accept
Compelling predictions for 2012. Shape of the crisis in Europe will be determined by how three major issues play out. Mason hazards some answers. Also predicts return of protectionism internationally, rise of conviction politicians
What next? "Rather than taking effective action, everyone may keep on doing as little as possible while austerity turns recession into depression. And even if things work out in the short term, there are big problems down the track"
The markets have sent Germany a message. It's no longer a safe haven, and there is no painless solution to euro troubles. This is the beginning of the end for the currency zone. Here's why, and how it's likely to play out
