Far from black and white

The political situation in Italy is similar to the 1920s. There’s even a Mussolini-like character ready to break through, writes Tim Parks

ITALIAN politics are in chaos, as a comedian battles Silvio Berlusconi for control.

Imagine you need to get to the other side of a busy street in Milan. You go to the pedestrian crossing provided. Cars are obliged to stop when you step out onto the black and white stripes, but not before.