Italian Democratic party leader and former short term Prime Minister, Enrico Letta has cautioned Italian nation that his opposing alliance comprising Giorgia Meloni’s post fascist Brothers of Italy, Matteo Salvini’s anti-immigrant League and Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia are likely to secure 48 percent votes as forecasted by a pre-poll survey ahead of general contest in Italy. The survey suggests that Letta and his left wing allies will probably receive nearly 30% votes in the coming election. According to veteran Italian politician, Italy runs a big risk if it puts itself in the hands of friends of Trump and Putin. Letta proclaimly admired his party for promoting the idea of cooperation and solidarity among EU states without blocking majority from taking decision for collective benefit and shared prosperity.
Democracy, the European philosophy of governance by the people and for the people which advocates counting of persons instead of weighing of peoples’ wisdom and efficacy had recently introduced hyper nationalism and selfish ideas in the politics across the globe. The past decade has witnessed rise of several nationalist leaders from America’s Donald Trump to India’s Narendra Modi from Pakistan’s Imran Khan to Hungarian Victor Orban. Overall, rise of Nationalism has divided societies, promoted hate and radicalization and reduced space for immigrants and minorities in almost all countries in the world.
Presently, the growing nationalism and self-centred approach of various European leaders has caused serious challenges to the unity, cohesion and survival of the European Union. After UK’s Brexit, France is preparing for Frexit, while several other EU nations have reservations regarding their share vis-a-vis obligations to the bloc.
Although Italy’s Letta has assessed the looming risks associated with the victory of his right-wing opponents and timely sensitized his countrymen about the personalization of the politics and drawbacks of right-wing leaders. The veteran Itatalian politician is less likely to know that the flaws of western democracy had been clearly exposed by Great poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal a century ago which have become more evident in present-day politics. However, the public does not believe in sane voices until it experiences the recipes of nationalism. Hence, Letta should wait for the next election because his scopes are rare this time.
