THE Cat has swallowed the Caiman,

[rodeodance]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/13/opinion/13riotta.html?_r=1&th=&oref=slogin&emc=th&pagewanted=print
April 13, 2006
Op-Ed Contributor
Italy's Natural Selection
By GIANNI RIOTTA

Milan

THE Cat has swallowed the Caiman, but now will have a hard time digesting it. This would be an absurd situation in nature, but there is nothing natural in the jungle of Italian politics.
.......
In a larger sense, this election was most significant for shattering several myths. First, it put an end to the belief in the omnipotence of television, of Mr. Berlusconi's so-called videocracy. When challenged by a serious contender, no leader can win by relying on only a few talking heads comfortably nestled in television studios.

Second was the long-held belief, here and abroad, of Italy as a mosaic of riotous parties. In the end, the two big coalitions attracted the overwhelming majority of voters — 99 percent in the lower house — leaving behind only a few crumbs for marginalized groups.

The last myth — heard in the cries of leftist Italians here and abroad — was that Mr. Berlusconi was becoming a dictator. While his populism stretched the fabric of Italian politics to the limits, our democracy was never jeopardized. Forza Italia won the elections in 2001 largely because of the left's disgraceful performance: three prime ministers discarded in the five years it held power turned public opinion to disgust. Italian democracy remains as vibrant today as a good red wine from Tuscany.

Prodi the Cat has three main challenges ahead: .........

[0007]

1. Mr. Berlusconi can sing ua a sad song while the world laughs

For his part, Mr. Berlusconi, a man who proudly boasts of his triumphs in business, sports, romance and politics and even as a crooner, will not accept defeat quietly. He is already asking for a recount. Meanwhile, his former center-right coalition allies — Gianfranco Fini, of the formerly fascist National Alliance, and Pier Ferdinando Casini, of the former Christian Democrats — will undoubtedly plot against him, challenging Forza Italia for leadership of the opposition. Mr. Berlusconi has treated these men poorly, often relegating their speeches to the wee hours on his three national TV networks.

[Demeter]

2. Don't Count Your Victories Until Inauguration Is Complete

I am keeping fingers crossed for Italy, that Prodi is officially installed in power without any interference.