“I don’t think Berlusconi will become Italy’s president, since there is a limit to indecency. The change [after April’s elections] of course doesn’t mean anything in itself, if the people at the steering wheel are unable to educate the country into a state of lawfulness.”

“The people [who won the elections] are lacking both moral standards and credibility. They are the same people who stood by when the disaster of Berlusconi’s government took place, the same who have already shown how inappropriate they are. They only managed to demonstrate how well they can flirt with those in power. So, what change is there to expect?”

“I think Prodi is a moderate and sensible person who is able to get Italy in a more European direction. [Unfortunately] he is in the minority.”

Mrs. Milena Gabanelli is a senior journalist for the Italian public service broadcaster Rai. She expressed her sincere discontent with the current political situation in her country to me by e-mail.

My special thanks to Barbara D’Amico.