Dear Piero, in Italy there is not anarchy, Italy is a democracy and democracy means competition and also quarrells. Italian leftists are parochials: French, Germans, Spanish, Americans don't care FT if FT wrote that Clinton or Bush are unfit to rule. When Ft wrote Berlusconi was unfit to rule the left made a flag of FT, but when FT wrote Prodi was unfit too, it was Berlusconi's Giornale to write that for the Brits any Italian was unfit to rule. The FT does his job, there is free speech, but it is not the mouth of truth. Tana De Zulueta wrote on FT on Italy and Zulueta was and is a MB of the former Pci. Zulueta supported also the girotondini movement with Paul Ginsborg, a historian of Lenin and Italian history, fighting against Berlusconi and telling he is a fascist. Ginsborg in England was only a reader of Churchill College and had no influence in Brit politics. The centeright will win next elections, be sure, and we'll modernize Italy.

viola, florence, Italy

In some ways, Italy is the perfect anarchy,
In others, it stinks.
Elections immediately for a strong NON-COMMUNIST
government to pick-up and invest in young businesses,
from what was broken and stolen by
a bunch of jokers under an unpresentable Prodi.

Piero, Roma,

After reading some of the comments and after having read an article on the financial times are we surprised that no one will want to invest in Italy any more? How can some peolpe be so thick?

grace, Ascoli Piceno,

Paolo, Rome, what tunnel? Italy is a democracy, Prodi's government ended and like any democracy we make elections to vote a new government. This is democracy: do you want totalitarianism?

carla, turin, italy

We need another Government to pass through the tunnel, we are at the bottom!!

Paolo, Rome,

Marco Malavi, you know the Brits: they despize all the world except their feudal monarchy, they are subjects not citiziens, they live in Middle age and have a theocratic state where the king is also the pope. Poor England!

niccolò, s. andrea in percussina (fi), italy

That's Italian Politics for all of you. It is an authentic circus where the PM is out within no more than 2 years. Great political stability. And what a bunch of unruly Senators those who spit, drank champagne and shouted obscenities are. If I were an Italian I would be ashamed of Italian politicians.

Daniel Fernandes, Middle England,

Dear Roberto from Siena, Italy,

You are a shame to Italians. Get mental help immediately.

Piero, Milan, Italy

Italy isn't poor at all...why the Briis don't think to their problem?

giacomo, turin, italy

Poor Italy... probably the most creative, stylish (and amongst the most economically powerful) countries on Earth. Just think what Italians could do if their politicians weren't self-serving small-minded licensed criminals.

John, London,

He got what he deserved. For two years he has just made promises and nothing else. Most of the people were very fed up with him.

Antonio, Chiari, Italy

now i'm a little less proud to be Italian...
it' a shame for all of us.

giacomo g.b., parma, italy

Poor Italy... probably the most creative, stylish (and amongst the most economically powerful) countries on Earth. Just think what Italians could do if their politicians weren't self-serving small-minded licensed criminals.

John, London,

It's right, the Italian Centre Left is dead!! Now in Italy will open an age of thievishness and other some negative conducts.

During Romano Prodi's Confidence vote on Italian Parliament, for example, there was a negative conduct: the celebration with champagne of a Centre Right Senator. And so I ask a question:
where's the power of people? Is it a rappresentation of political power?

I'm too disgusting!! I'm sorry

Andrea Bigoni, Ferrara, ITALY

Berlusconi is indeed a disgraceful creature Nicola. Just like in Britain the politicians do not fight for the rights of the people or the country. They are more bothered about staying in power which constantly involves quick fix methods and not long term strategies.

Lucas, York, Yorkshire

It's a dramatic thing that a party like Mastella's UDEUR, who took 1,39 % of total votes, can destruct a government because its leader has been accused by a judge.

Ruggero, caserta, italy

I'll vote Berlusconi and I am very happy Prodi has ended. The left is dead, it's a good day for Italy. If the former communists want to emigrate to England they will find a very good police to educate them to be more civilized.

azzurra, bologna, italy

the possible poll in april and the more possible winning of mr. Berlusconi, the so called "little mussolini" means that a lot of italians they are gonna to live abroad for longer... what's happening in italy is a shame.
We are not able to govern ourselves..
Maybe a german first minister, and some other officers from france, u.k., spain will be better...

matteo, warsaw, poland

Yes, it is true. the Italian situation is very bad.

But did you ask yourself why we are still between the major countries in the world for economy? I agree with you all about politic, but I know the potentiality of my country despite the state of things at the moment and I'm sorry that the Italians cannot look at the good there is in this nation.

Simona, Milan, Italy

It's time for change. We can not go on this way.
We should not be ashamed of being Italian, but fight to turn our country into a decent one.

Agata, Pavia, Italy

Silvia, Pistoia, do you know who is Vittorio Mangano? Do you know tha Dell'Utri, Berlusconi's Partner in the creation of Forza Italia, is now in jail for MAFIA? Do you now that Italy was start going better in the 2007, thanks to Prodi?
Do you notice that the Spain, thanks to a LEFT governament, Lay, and not Vatican Catholic's Slave, grows up faster than other european country?
Berlusconi is dangerous, really dangerous single-power man...
Beware... beware...

Beppe, Milano, Italy

Are you watching Gordon Brown?

Here's a European idea we'd all support you on - resign!

J. Wilkes, Gloucester,

This is disgraceful, I cannot believe Berlusconi will be back.
This is because Italian politicians are not fighting for rights or the best for the country, but they just fight for their own private business. Shameful.

Nicola Sarti, London, UK

Well, don't we all love it - Italian style of chao? This particular style of doing things makes Italian nation unique, and differnt from Germany, Austria or UK. We can feel it when we walk or drive in Rome!

Ming, London, UK

Comment heard by myself in the British Embassy in Rome made by a visiting UK politician, "Politics in Italy? What a joke!"

Amen

Chris, Rome, Italy

' It could only happen in Italy................. ' - You are probably right , but we can at least dream .

Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,

We live in a underdeveloped country, devastated by the worst political class and submited to His Holy Shame THE (NAZI)POPE...WE ARE A NATION OF SLAVES AND PROSTITUTES. I am 46 and I don't see any future for my home country but the euthanasy

Roberto, Siena, Italy

Did you know that Parmeasan is cheaper in England than in Italy?
Did you know than when you go to buy food in Italy in any market place you are spending the same that you spend in Waitrose?
Did you know that the avarage salary in Italy is 1500euro (1000pounds)?
I miss my country but have no choice than to work in UK for a decent lifestyle. Like me many others.
Whoever says that Prodi is s good man is responsible for making Italy the worse country in Europe.

Francesca, London, UK

I really can't express properly how it is to live in such a country, where the whole of the establishment is corrupt or not fighting corruption in the proper way. I am no fan of Prodi and I certanly not of Berlusconi, who indeed is at the root of many a problem Italy faces in these days; but, ignoring the controversial issue of successive responsibilities, that touches both left and right, one fundamental problem remains:

*what* party, candidate, list could one vote?

*where* can one put one's trust?

Julia, Milan and Paris,

That's the last nail in the coffin. I won't go back to Italy for a long, long time.

It's not an easy job to be proud of you. Well done Italy, you've managed to beat me, once again.

Andrea, London, UK

Left, Right, centre-left, centre-right are words with no sense in Italy, Mafia is leading the whole country .. a country with no future.

Filippo basso, Udine, Italy

@ George, Ingleswood

We have great Italians, but they are obviously not inside the Parliament - which is just a hospice for really old, rich and inept duffers - and they are mostly out of their 'own' bleak Italy.

E. V., Milan, Italy

That's just sad. I hoped that my country was on the road for modernization, even with all the difficulties related to such unstable government. And now possibly there will be another Berlusconi Government. Which means more corruption, worse than bad economic management, poor support to schools and universities and so on.

Such a nice country to live and work.

I don't think i'll be back soon.

Davide, London, uk

I get so angry when I hear people say that "we are poor", "we are about to starve", "Prodi made us poorer", "he buried Naples in litter", "he supports the mafia" "do you realise that he's against the pope"? - please stop making judgements without having all the information available to help you form an intelligent opinion!
First - a government has to work on 2 main axes: 1) social welfare and 2) economic welfare. The objective? Make sure everyone has a decent life style - not a single government, be it right or left centred, has ever been able to guarantee both.
Prodi has not been able to modernise Italy because we haven't left him! And Italy is abusing the concept of democracy! Democracy not only means giving everyone the freedom of choice, it also means having a sense of reality and a sense of responsibility which we do not have!
Oh and one last piece of advice to those starving Italians - stop spending on clothes and mobile phones, start getting an education and start thinking!

Erik, Montecatini Terme, (PT)

I support Mr. Berlusconi, I don't really like it but if I must choose I think I don't have any choice... Since when prodi won the elections I was sure we would have had this path... I was counting down the days.... Prodi isn't absolutely able to lead a coalition of parties so different among them! Comunists, (still proud to be called in this terrible way in 2008!!!!!!!!!) catholics (???) green party.... Just one thing could keep them together: to be against Berlusconi... this is not a good solution...
I hope to vote as soon as we can... and I hope tha foreign media won't say again something like the terrible things they said in the last period...

Alessandro, Rome, Italy

Yes, it could only happen in Italy. Here the political class is only interested in one thing - keeping itself in power. This is why you find parties with basolutely nothing in common getting into coalitions with each other. There's very little you won't put up with from a coalition partner to keep your hands on the salary, perks and backhanders that come with being a member of parliment in this country (except maybe having the judicial system investigate your wife because she is suspected of making death threats!). One side is just as bad as the other unfirtunately and until there is a radical change of mindset it doesn't really matter who is in charge.

On the rubbish dumps issue, that cannot be totaly blamed on Prodi - it's the product of years of succesive governments turning a blind eye. What goes on here is tantamount to collusion with the Camorra - it's easier and cheaper (and often more financilaay rewarding) than actually trying to sort out the problem.

Laura, Rome, Italy

i must admit that i agree with Broon...

giacomo g.b., parma, italy

It's all Veltroni's fault! He wanted this... to become Prime Minister... and instead Berlusconi will back! Bravo!

Riccardo, Cork, Ireland

I feel ashamed of being italian.
Alessandra, Trieste, Italy.

Alessandra, Trieste, Italy

I wish that UN Troops are on the move to save us from ourselves...

Leonardo, Turin, Italy

61 governments in 60 years - what a farce.

Jim, Derby, UK

As an Italian citizen and voter I am extremely happy that this government has finally collapsed, it was taking the country down a one way street. Mr Prodi’s coalition was a mix of extreme left pushing for reforms which quite frankly the majority of Italians were and are against, and other parties driven by the thirst for power creating the grounds for “political blackmail”. Every day there were threats from all sides within the coalition which quite honestly demonstrated lack of cohesion within the government. What is interesting is to try and understand what the major cause behind the crisis was. Mr Veltroni’s newly formed party, PD (Democratic Party) created a fracture with the smaller parties in the coalition wanting to be free of them and to run for election on their own. Although the majority of the smaller parties voted in favour of Mr Prodi, they were extremely critical of the PD alleging that it had brought about this crisis for its own political gain. Best thing - back to the polls.

Splendora Berre', Cittadella, Italy

Please, help us. Italy is going down.

Alessandro, Milan,

Why does not EU Commission say anything about all this obscenity that is happening here? For less, Austria was put under observation by EU when Haider Party won regional elections some years ago.
In Italy corruption is everywhere, and this "leading" class has been the same for at least 30 years, taking us to this situation. Why does not EU speak about Berlusconi's position (i.e. he is involved in politics, mass media control, banking, industry just to give an idea)?
If no none says anything in Italy there are two solutions: to hold the status quo or the people will break into revolution.

Franco, Torino,

The only solution for Italy would be direct rule from Brussels. The Italins are simply incapable of governing themselves properly.

Broon, Milano, Italy

I support Mr. Berlusconi as millions of italians!! How can someone say that prodi is a good man? Didn't you see Napoli and its litter? Do you notice that he was against the pope? No money left in Italy,even you say that ours is a finished country and still you say:stand for Prodi??!!

Silvia, Pistoia, italy

As I read this article I am saddened. I so hoped to one day return to Italy, when it had stabalized, when the mob were a myth and when it finally became a democracy.

I'm sorry to say that my own view, as a very proud Italian, is that Italy cannot, and has continually failed to work, as a democracy.

Say what you like about that man with the name I don't have to mention, but does not today's Italy make the Italy of the 20's more desirable? Bring on the reforms!

Silvio, cambridge, uk

Dear Anna,
what did Berlusconi do in the previous 5 years?! Only HIS business! So it's not a matter of Prodi or Berlusconi's fault... it's the system, is rotten!

Riccardo, Cork, Ireland

I feel ashamed of being Italian these days. I do not hope that - again - we will have to face a corrupt and selfish centre right government under Silvio Berlusconi, so Italy would finally loose the rest of its already weak reputation in the world. Nevertheless I believe, that Italy will survive this crisis, like the country always did in its history, because Italian people are much more intelligent then their own designated leaders.

Peter Frey, Cagliari , Italy

As an Italian citizen and voter I am extremely happy that this government has finally collapsed, it was taking the country down a one way street. Mr Prodi’s coalition was a mix of extreme left pushing for reforms which quite frankly the majority of Italians were and are against, and other parties driven by the thirst for power creating the grounds for “political blackmail”. Every day there were threats from all sides within the coalition which quite honestly demonstrated lack of cohesion within the government. What is interesting is to try and understand what the major cause behind the crisis was. Mr Veltroni’s newly formed party, PD (Democratic Party) created a fracture with the smaller parties in the coalition wanting to be free of them and to run for election on their own. Although the majority of the smaller parties voted in favour of Mr Prodi, they were extremely critical of the PD alleging that it had brought about this crisis for its own political gain. Best thing - back to the polls.

Splendora Berre', Cittadella, Italy

Prodi's Government was the worst Government since the second world war. The collapse is definitely good news for the whole country, being that the arrogant Left coalition has been (and still is) busy in keeping the power only. Prodi said that Italy can't afford the luxury of a power vacuum, but the truth is that Italy can't afford the luxury of an INEPT AND UNABLE PREMIER AS ROMANO PRODI.

Renzo, Arezzo, Italy

Either way, there is no decent choice in Italy as regards political parties, as there are too many!!!

At the end of the day the Italian governement, Left, right, center, or whatever... are all there to cash their hefty salaries and the Italians sufffer poverty due to laws that will never change!

It's a catch 22 situation, curruption exists, the Italians pay too much taxes, they have to "avoid" paying taxes by doing jobs on the side, and therefore the taxes keep incresaing!

If the Italians themselves don't do anything to resolve theri economical/political situation, then why should anyone else care!!

What we need is some fresh new people in governement who can restart the economy. Not old men who should be pensioners, and have never worked, really worked, a day in their lives deciding what to do with our futures!

Then the Italian people need to give the governemnt a chance to sort things out. How can one government in 4 yoears possibly chenage 50 years of mistake!!!!

Alex, Brescia, Italy

The fall of the centre-left government is no surprise: it was based upon an extraordinarily wide and varied coalition which has no real unity.

I don't think it should be assumed Silvio Berlusconi will return to power. Over the last couple of years, his grip on the centre-right coalition has been increasingly challenged by figures such as PierFerdinando Casini and even Gianfranco Fini, who may see the current crisis as an opportunity to consolidate their claims to leadership. A fight over this has so far been averted because the oppostion was concentrating on bringing down the government, but that may well change now.

David Cavanagh, Naples, Italy

Thanks God we are free from that unuseful PM. He has done pratically nothing of what he said during his campaign.

Fabius, S. Benedetto del Tronto, Italy

never trust a christian democrat.

paul, melbourne, australia

Dear Sirs,
tell me, has UK ever been governed by an administration with two or better three communist parties inside it? Another little question for you, clever british, how many modern western european countries has got powerful communist parties in their political ground? Don't you think that a radical ideological situation like the one we have in our left is so bad for the development of one of the best democracies in the world as we are? Please don't you close in your little room thinking you're always the best. Sometimes it coldn't be true.

Marco Malavasi, Poggio Rusco, Mantua, Italy

Don't worry Peter.......... Britain is even worse about politics...... I don't think I have to remember you what Borwn is doing

Fabius, S. Benedetto del Tronto, Italy

Italian government is collapsed, but neither the Right party will be able to get things better.

Annamaria Q., Treviso, Italy

What do you know about Italy and Prodi?

The trash is there because for 50 years men like Prodi allowed Mafia and corrupted people to lead the situation at this point.

He's a good man? We are poor and on the edge of starving, we cannot rent a flat or have children because job is unsure, salaries are ridiculous and everything is priced doubled than before. He made poor people pay more taxes and kept on increasing his benefits.

Is this normal for a left party???

Anna Direlli, Verona, italy

I am an italian girl and I do not think that is Prodi's fault but it is the fault of a system that can't go on like this. We do need to renew the system in Italy!

Monica, Treviso, Italy

We Italian have to refer to the Costituzione and Prodi respected our laws going ahead with the vote despite the negative perspectives. Could the Author please explain why the news about Italian Government stars with Berlusconi instead of talk about Prodi's democratic choice?

Davide, Pieve a Nievole, IT

I really hope that Mr Berlusconi is not coming back.
He's a shame for our country.
He changed the laws to help his business and to avoid to be sentenced.
The sad thing is that some italians still like him and still belive that he is our saviour.
Prodi was not perfect but surely better than him.
May God help my country.

Giulia, Pavia, Italy

Porca Troia, no !!

Prodi in 1 year and half could fix Italy's economic parameters, after Berlusconi's 5 years of shaming management

pm8, Italy,

Absolutely! The perpetual chaos of Italian politics - engineered by corrupt and greedy politicians - is a national disgrace and makes Italy an international joke. The sad thing is that it is always the ordinary Italians who pay the heavy price of instability and NOT the politicians themselves who hand themselves lavish, crisis-proof salaries and perks. Nothing changes ...

chris, Ancona, Italy

Berlusconi back would undoubtedly confirm Italy as the old man of Europe.

Michael, London,

Poor Italy.... I can't believe it... we are jumping back of seven years only for a 1,3% party.. 98,7% of italian people will pay for this. We are going straight to new electoral pools with old elctoral law defined "porcata" (obscenity) from who as made and promoted it that is the same politician that are candidate for next government!!!!

Paolo, Rimini, Italy

Prodi's resignation was inevitable having in mind the complex coalition that supported his Government and the pressure from Berlusconi...

However, the way the Senate session went, the fights, spitting, cursing, fainting, frentic applause, etc., only confirms my recent view of Italy: ALL GREAT ITALIANS ARE HISTORY!

George, Ingleswood,

As GBS used to say "" The whole country - Italy - is a theater and the the worst actors are on the stage"".

Flavio B. Gorizia

Flavio B, Gorizia, Italy

I cetainly hope for Italy's sake and for the sake of all honest italains Mr Berlusconi is not allowed back. He did nothing for Itlay during his years in power other than further his own political endsand pocket by changing laws to avoid going to jail and undermining the juidiciary. GOd help itlay if he comes back.

Simon, arezzo, italy

What a shame!

Italy has to get itself together.

The trash thing - with the Mafia controlling the dumps and now this.

Prodi is a good man.

Marie, London, England

It could only happen in Italy.................

peter haigh-lumby, london, united kingdom