tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260526278343305104.post109159468040333871..comments2023-09-28T06:50:19.573-04:00Comments on views from montparnasse: Gauche contre Gauchebrenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16770376824847505367noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260526278343305104.post-78641614904953384412013-01-14T18:21:10.724-05:002013-01-14T18:21:10.724-05:00The complexity of these relationships (left and ce...The complexity of these relationships (left and center-left, center-left and center-right) is, as you say, at the core of this election. Where I think you may have more hope than realistic expectation is in thinking that the left can come out ahead when the dust settles. <br /><br />The problem we face (by we, I mean we in Italy) is the still fresh memory of Prodi's demise. The Italians I know blame the failure of Prodi's government completely on the Communists. I believe that's a central reason behind Bersani's ongoing reluctance to side with Vendola and to continue making overtures to Monti.<br /><br />But there's another way to think about Melanchon's comments. Increasingly, leftists seem to be considering their role as part of the opposition, outside of the party in power, as having great long term benefits. This was Syrizia's approach in the last Greek elections and it's looking like it may pay off. So we may find that Vendola accepts a role as a strident oppositiont to Bersani, but not someone who would have to take the blame if the government were to fall (something Italians expect to happen).<br /><br />Finally, I don't think that the fear that has been planted in the electorate of deviation from the euro-centric approach is still strong. While they hate the taxes and the labor attacks of the Monti government, they agree with Monti that staying in the euro and having the respect of the French and the Germans is essential. <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com