The most hopeful news for Italy since the old order broke down in 1992 is that the parts of the country that are not run from Rome-cities and regions-are doing a lot better. Since 1993, mayors have been directly elected and given more power. Since last year, the presidents of Italy's 20 regions too have been directly elected. There is a bit more communal pride about, and a bit less menefreghismo-"it-doesn't-con-cern-me-ism". Most notably, a new breed of leaders in city halls and regional presidencies has emerged. As in national politics, ideologically there is little to choose between those on the centre-left and those on the centre-right.
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