Italians not hopeful about upcoming general elections

By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) - Italians are in despair over whether the Sept. 25 general elections will produce solutions to the global and local problems.

Italy, which has faced economic distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is preparing to hold elections on Sunday under the shadow of many troubles, especially the high energy costs caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, which started just before the effects of the pandemic faded.

“I have no expectations. Unfortunately, now I’m very demoralized, we don’t know who to vote for,” said Roberto, who runs a newsstand near the Spanish Steps, a famous tourist attraction in Rome.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, he said the current technocrat Prime Minister Mario Draghi has handled it well so far.

"There is no need to give names, not only (Matteo) Salvini and (Giorgia) Meloni, but also (Enrico) Letta, (Matteo) Renzi and (Carlo) Calenda can’t solve the current problems. Seeing the others and their promises, I think Draghi is much more suitable for this. At least Draghi saw value and respect in Europe.”

Stefano, a restaurant owner in Rome, listed the energy crisis as the main issue now, telling its effects on his business.

“Now clearly the priority is to fix the problem of energy and gas, which has reached excessive costs, especially for businesses. The second option is to lower taxes, which are too high,” he suggested.

“What do I think of the elections? I hope there will be a wave of fresh, new, and better ideas, a more European Italy in line with North European countries,” he said.

- Energy crisis, living costs

Sasha, a domestic tourist in Rome from Florence, pointed out that the energy and living costs increased with the effect of the war. “We expect for sure that they try to solve our problems, but honestly, I have few hopes.”

He said: “The electoral campaign has been quite embarrassing, but let’s see what happens, elections are close.

“We expect for sure that they lower costs for bills, energy, electricity, gas because honestly, that’s unbearable. It’s difficult to get to the end of the month and make ends meet, also with food, at the supermarket. The cost of food has risen a lot.”

Simona, one of the female taxi drivers in Rome, said she had no expectations for the elections.

“I don’t have great expectations … I don’t see anyone who’s capable.”

Simona said she was happy with Draghi because of the visibility in Europe, but “as of today, I don’t see great perspectives, I’m not optimistic for these elections even if I’ll go to vote, it’s my duty as a citizen, so will do it.”

She added: “I don’t have big hopes, honestly, because in my opinion there’s a lack of competent people.”

- Not going to vote

Gianpaolo, a taxi driver in Rome, said he would not vote in the elections.

“There’s a political force that I have always followed, I’m for the left, but personally I won’t vote at these elections,” he said.

“I don’t feel represented, I’m not interested in the center-right opposition and from my side, they are not doing proposals that I could share … so I don’t know,” he added.

Lavigna, a member of the public, said too many technocrats have been prime ministers in Italy in recent years, or that a government composed of unelected people has been formed.

“I believe it’s fair that we stop having technocrats in government and that we have a party or someone that has been chosen by the population,” she said.

“I think it’s going to win a party that I won’t vote for, but I believe it’s fair they govern if people vote for them.”