Italy's Economy Needs Change

Sam Sherraden — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:44:00 -0400

Italy is moving towards another election and subsequent new government. The economic challenges facing the victorious political coalition will be daunting. With declining international competitiveness and a rising euro, a huge and growing budget deficit and a rapidly aging population, the Italian economy faces overwhelming obstacles to growth. To complicate the recovery, there is no consensus on reform proposals, which range from privatizing state-owned assets to deregulating labor markets and downsizing government payrolls.

Snapshot asks, what are Italy's best options for economic reform?

Reuters - The Italian Deficit
Wall Street Journal - The Italian Fix
Guardian - Italian Manufacturing
Adnkronos - Italy as Seen by a Chinese Correspondent
BNP Paribas - Italian Business Confidence Continues to Deteriorate