Rob, over at his interesting bi-lingual blog, Wind Rose Hotel, has written a couple of posts on Veltroni, in Italian.
In the first of his posts back in June last year, Rob observed that although Veltroni is no great orator, he does appear to be an effective communicator, and is possibly good enough to counter the effects of Italy’s arch-communicator and Veltroni’s main opponent, Mr Berlusconi. And, I think what impressed Rob most with regard to what Veltroni has been saying were the vestiges of genuine sincerity which the man managed to convey.
Rob’s second post is even more optimistic, and it is my impression that Rob believes that there may be a little more to Veltroni than meets the eye. Rob’s bases his opinion on an interview Veltroni gave to the Italian newspaper il Foglio. And I have to agree that what Veltroni said does appear to be rather open and insightful for an Italian politician, old guard or not.
I really do hope that Rob’s impressions are correct, and that Veltroni has not simply been demonstrating the capacity, which all the best politicians possess, to blind the populace with carefully crafted rhetoric. Such rhetoric often turns out to be rather hollow, as after the speaker has managed to worm him or herself into power, all the magnificent promises made and ideals espoused are quietly forgotten.
Still, hope springs eternal, and hope is one of the things that propels this blogger forward in life.
I’m starting to think that giving Veltroni a chance may not be such a bad thing after all. The only alternative is Mr B, and, let’s face it, he had his chance, but did not do much with it.
Out with the old and in with the new (ish).
(Yes, I’ve had a change of heart – and maybe, just maybe, regurgitating Veltroni may not turn out to be so bad after all. Heck, I hope so, for the sake of all the great Italians I know.)
luciano leonelli says
February 26, 2008 at 6:52 amI follow Veltroni with great interest. The only thing which puzzles me is that he said that only CLEAN people will be admitted to join his party>
How come that he accepted Emma Bonino when it is well known that during the sunami disaster of 2004 she turned her back to the Italians in Phuket to “assist” sri lankan and pocketing a handsome part of the money which was generously offered by the italian people. I wrote at that time to many italian TV programs to interview her on this subject but she always refused to appear.
AlexR says
February 17, 2008 at 12:47 pmYou are welcome Rob. I appreciate the honesty of your posts greatly. And the fact that you are not afraid to express an opinion.
It was very interesting to read your analysis of Veltroni, and to hear that you are not considering voting for him. This I can understand.
Personally, I’m wavering between thinking the man may provide some hope and dismissing him as being yet another Italian politician making lots of hollow promises.
But I’m still wary about his being part of the old guard, and therefore, nothing new or original.
As usual, I imagine, the Italian people will end up being confused. They give Berlusco another chance, but he let them down. So they might let Veltroni have a go, but he too, may well let them down. Rosy words from politicians are nothing new, but in view of the lack of alternatives, this campaign will be won on whose words are the rosiest.
Nobody can be sure that Veltroni is going to be any good until he has been in power for a few months.
What a situation. Same old, same old, as ever in Italy.
Kind regards,
Alex
Wind Rose Hotel says
February 16, 2008 at 11:57 pmAlex, thanks for summing up what I have been writing about Veltroni in the last months. To tell the truth, I won’t vote for him for many good reasons, including his support for Prodi’s government, that is, in my opinion, one of the worst governments this country had ever suffered. Nevertheless I am bound to say that he is the best of his bunch. He is trying to provide Italy with a modern and responsible Left and a more effective and stable political system.
I wish him continue taking forward the modernisation of both the Left and Italian political system, but possibly by staying in opposition … 😉
All the best
rob
momeen says
February 16, 2008 at 11:33 amNice info.
Thanks for share it 🙂