Italy's Five Star Movement Should Think Long Term

Italians clearly sought to disrupt a political system that they perceive as self-serving and out of touch with their daily lives. I ran for office in that election along with European Commissioner Emma Bonino as part of a pro-European movement in the center-left alliance. Needless to say, we lost. The winners Sunday were two populist parties who represent everything our mainstream coalition rejects. But I have some reason to be hopeful just the same.

After decades of economic stagnation, growing inequality and concerns about immigration (the latter grossly amplified by social media), Italians turned their back on mainstream political forces. The Five Star Movement, the largest vote-winner, appeals mainly to the disaffected middle class, while the League, the other populist winner, draws support from the working class and small business community. While the League is by far the most influential political force in the north, Five Star won virtually every constituency in the south. Together they have more than 50 percent of the proportional vote.