Is It Bunga-Bunga Time (Again)?

The Italian presidential-election season opens a little more than a week from now, and even though it’s likely to go on for some time—several rounds of secret ballots are usually needed, and the wheeling and dealing among the M.P.’s, senators, and regional representatives who vote can rival the scene at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar—the excitement is already building. Unlike the role of the prime minister, the president’s job is largely ceremonial; nevertheless, the president has certain powers. Such as appointing the prime minister. (Did we mention this was Italy?)

The current P.M., Mario Draghi, is in the running to succeed Sergio Mattarella as president, though some would like to see Draghi stay put. “[He] is considered a safe pair of hands,” reported The Guardian, “but a move to the presidential palace would bring his government to an early end, undermining efforts to enact the reforms needed to secure instalments from the EU’s post-pandemic recovery fund, of which Italy is the biggest beneficiary.”