Situations vacant: an enlightened governing class

La Repubblica dei Brocchi (The Republic of Morons) is the latest book by Sergio Rizzo. And the title refers to the image the Italian ruling class offers. Ethical codes, the same Article 54 of the Constitution – which establishes the requirement to fulfill public functions “with honour and dignity” – seem to be as good as scrap paper, when we are overwhelmed by a wave of news concerning cases of nepotism, favoritism, wastage, exhibitions of ignorance and little respect for institutions. The disconnection between the élite and the issues affecting a large part of the population. Especially when political parties frequently seem focused on factional infighting, interested only in maintaining their posts and privileges, without regard for the interests of the country at large.