ELECTIONS IN ITALY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 144, 31 March 1948, Page 3

ELECTIONS IN ITALY

PARTY PROSPECTS ASSESSED,

Comment by “The Times”

(N.Z.P. A.—Copyright)

LONDON, March 29

The Rome correspondent of “The Times,” surveying the prospects of the main parties in the Italian elections on April 18, says that the position of the Christian Democrats, who won 35 per cent, of the votes in the 1946 elections, is still stable and solid. “They have in their favour,” he adds, “a good record of government, derived mainly from their ability and honesty. The Government has also kept prices relatively stable and inflation within reasonable limits, and it has had many successes in foreign policy.**

“The Government, however, has made little impression on the grave unemployment problem. It has not had sufficient time or the. material means to begin real reconstruction. “It has also been the target of a persistent anti-clerical campaign, which has found ammunition in the Church’s intervention in politics—. which, however, cuts both ways. “The Christian Democrats’ main rival is the Communist - dominated Popular Democratic Front, which has in its favour a skilful campaign of extravagant promises to workers and peasants, coupled with firm support of all wage and. salary claims, most of which have been met. It has promised the workers a powerful voice in the management of industry, and has created a well-organised party machine.

“Factors adverse to the front’s prospects have been the creation of the Cominform, recent events in Czechoslovakia, the hostility of the front to American aid, and the secession of Moderate Socialists from its Socialist wing. . a

Growing Optimism

“Any unforeseen development connected with Italy’s colonies or a Soviet gesture connected with the Italian Fleet or trade will provide capital for the Popular Democratic Front. A British gesture regarding colonies, the early signing of a comprehensive Bri-tish-Italian trade agreement, or a tangible increase in British coal deliveries, might assist the Christian Democrats.”

The Milan correspondent of “The Times” says that growing optimism, which is reflected in stock exchange prices, is eyident in northern industrial and financial circles. Industrial shares have gained 15 per cent, in the last week. The rise is attributable partly to increased industrial output and, partly to political reasons. The correspondent adds that the general impression in Milan is that while the Popular Front may have made some progress in the south, it will not poll more than the Christian Democrats in the north.

A message from Rome says that two Communists were killed and three were wounded in a fight between Communists and non-Communists at Somaglia, 35 miles from Milan.