Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, an economics professor who has never won an election, says he's aware of his handicap in a campaign dominated by entertainers.
Monti’s struggles on the stump haven’t eliminated his chances to influence Italy’s next government. The appointed premier, who imposed austerity to shield Italy from Europe’s debt crisis, was running fourth in opinion surveys on February 8, when Italy’s two-week polling blackout began. Still, Monti may get to play kingmaker after the February 24-25 vote.
Italy’s stagnant economy has handcuffed Monti as a candidate as much as his own inexperience as a politician. The tax increases he implemented helped aggravate a recession that reached six straight quarters in the three months ended December 31. His opponents have promised to ease the fiscal burden and dismantle Monti’s legacy.
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