Italy’s populist rulers are famous for their contradictory positions. They’re against bailing out banks, but also oppose bailing in investors. They want to cut taxes and increase spending, but also want to keep public debt in check. They are supposedly in favor of infrastructure projects, but cannot make up their mind on whether a high-speed train link to France should go ahead.
The latest policy paradox relates to foreign affairs. The Five Star Movement and the League have spent years cosying up to some unorthodox bed-mates, including Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, while disdaining traditional European partners like Germany and France. The guiding principle seemed to be opposing the EU consensus while supporting anti-establishment forces.
