Euroscepticism may rise in Italian election run-up

Subject

Positions of Italy’s parties.

Significance

Italy has entered pre-electoral territory. The key issues are growth, jobs, public investment and immigration -- all of which affect Italy’s strained relationship with the EU.

Impacts

• The blocked takeover of France’s STX shipyard by an Italian company could intensify Rome's disappointment with other EU member states.
• Tensions over electoral reform may drive MPs out of Gentiloni’s coalition and to the greater electoral safety of Forza Italia.
• Another centrist coalition would risk alienating voters, given the EU-imposed policy straightjacket.