A minuscule party, which through coalition blackmailing obtained far more Senate seats than it deserved (three instead of none) has just brought down the Italian government. Whatever happens in the coming weeks and months is ground for speculation and betting.
Elections would see new party arrangements, and a possible absence of a coalition between democrats and leftists. Proportional representation at its worst will still rule the parliament. A transitional government will not be able to make any reforms because no-one can afford to lose their small allies in passing a decent electoral law, liberalizations are unpopular with everyone except consumers, who are the last ones the political caste cares about, and decisionmaking is synonymous with political suicide.
I have frequently criticized Prodi's government, and my opinion does not change. It was a concoction of incompatible ideologies that ensured few of the many things to do were done. It takes courage to eradicate the factionalization of politics, to make the bold moves the country needs to enter the 21st century and turn Italy into a powerhouse again as it deserves to be.
This is also the result of proportional representation: carelessness, factionalization, politicization of everything, blackmailing and instability. MMP proponents take careful note.
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