Italian Election Series - 1982 General Elections

The 1977 elections gave birth to a fragmented parliament, where no well-defined coalition could enjoy a majority. Uncertainty thus reigned as to what kind of government would be formed. The two most floated around possibilities were a PCI-PSI-PDP alliance or a "grand coalition" of the moderate parties, including PSI, PDP, PLI and even the radicals. However, it was hard to see PCI backing a government whose policies would inevitably be similar to the one they had just toppled. Thus, negotiations soon opened between socialists, liberals, radicals and PDP officials. An agreement was finally concluded in April. Despite leading the smallest of the four parties, Aldo Moro became the natural choice for Prime Minister (since PSI and PLI vetoed each other and nobody at all wanted a radical). The government included PSI, PLI and PDP ministers (an arrangement somewhat reminding of the 1960s). The Radicals, unwilling to entangle themselves in government, instead chose to only provide external support.

The Moro cabinet implemented a final round of (minor) austerity policies throughout 1977 and 1978, but by that point the budget had been balanced and, helped by European financial support, the country's debt finally began to shrink. Finally, in late 1978, PSI forced the government to put an end to austerity and finally raise wages and welfare benefits. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the country actually experienced a major economic boom, which finally put an end to a decade of lingering depression. Many Italian businesses emerged stronger and met major successes abroad. The PCI vigorously pointed out that only a small share of the high economic growth went to the working classes, the bulk of it being monopolized by businessmen and stockholders. Still, most of Italians saw their standards of living improve - developing more leisure-oriented consumption habits.

Major changes also occurred in the social sphere. The Radicals had accepted to enter in government only after the other parties had agreed to several of their most emblematic requests. A major reform of the police and judicial system was passed in 1978, increasing the guarantees against abuses of power and reducing prison sentences for many crimes. Also that year, one of the first laws aimed at fighting corruption and abuses of power in the political circles was passed, though its scope was limited. But the most important (and controversial) reform was the legalization of abortion. The radicals had made it a non-negotiable condition of their support to the government, and PSI also came strongly in support of that. On the other hand, many in the PDP and PLI considered the idea absolutely unacceptable. The parties eventually found an agreement in 1979. Abortion was legalized in the first 90 days of pregnancy (and later if the life of the mother is at risk), though it required an administrative authorization, as well as a parental authorization if the woman was under 18. The coalition parties agreed to settle the issue once and for all in the referendums that were to take place with the next elections.

During the turn of the decade, the country was also faced with a wave of terrorism. This time, the violence came from far-left groups such as the Red Brigades, which had rejected the PCI's recent conciliatory attitude as an act of "treason" to communist ideals. Still influenced by the recent years of resistance, these groups made little difference between the dictatorial state and the republican state, considering that both were oppressing the working classes. The frustration over years of austerity-induced recession (partly accepted by PCI) proved a fertile ground for these groups, which, by 1979-1980, posed a serious threat to the rule of law. Several high-ranking state officials had been kidnapped, and a few even killed. This terrorist threat, however, surprisingly reinforced government cohesion. The Moro government had experienced several crises in its first years, and had several times barely avoided collapse. When terrorism became a threat, however, PCI accepted to provide support to the government in the name of "national responsibility". In particular, the PCI's abstention allowed the passage of a law reinforcing police powers, which the radicals opposed (though they accepted not to withdraw support to the government). Through a vigorous reaction, the Red Brigates and other groups were all but crushed by late 1981.

For the second time in the country's history, the legislature managed to last through its scheduled end, and new elections were held in February of 1982. Several referendums, most of which had been proposed by the Radicals, were also put on the ballot. Moro and the government showed confidence, touting their achievements with regard to the economy and law enforcement. However, many hoped that the next elections would allow a more cohesive majority to emerge.

List of parties:

Proletarian Democracy (DP) Still a far-left communist party, which criticizes the PCI's more conciliatory attitude. While its leadership has no direct link with the Red Brigades or other terrorist groups, some have showed a certain sympathy toward them, and they are not nearly as vehement as the other parties in condemning violence.

Italian Communist Party (PCI) Berlinguer's PCI has kept defining its new line of "eurocommunism" throughout the years. In opposition to the government, it has strongly criticized the austerity policies and more generally the new neoliberal economic order that seems to be emerging in the 1980s. It seeks to defend the working class at a time when its power and social standing seem to be declining. On the other hand, the party has provided support to the Moro government in dealing against terrorism, and unambiguously rejects the use of violence.

Italian Socialist Party (PSI) Following the party's electoral collapse, the historical leader De Martino officially retired from politics. In the Congress held shortly thereafter, Bettino Craxi, the charismatic representative of the party's new generation, was easily elected. He proceeded to fully reorient the party on a reformist line based on cooperating with the other moderate parties and taking into account the economic and financial realities.

Radical Party (PR) The party has obtained significant victories during this legislature, bargaining them for continued support to the government. It currently seeks new successes through the various referendums they have put to vote for this election cycle. It also hopes to retain the leverage it had on the government during the past legislature. Its agenda is still staunchly (euro)libertarian, focusing on civil and personal liberties and the fight against corruption.

Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) The legislature's course was somewhat painful for Moro's party (especially when they had to pass the bill legalizing abortion), but ultimately appears very successful. Moro is campaigning heavily on the economic boom and on the government's successful handling of the terrorism crisis.

Italian Liberal Party (PLI) Following the party's collapse in the 1977 elections, PLI also renewed its leadership, replacing Bignardi with the younger and more moderate Valerio Zanone. It has toned down its pro-spending cuts rhetoric, but still has a largely neoliberal economic program based on tax cuts. Zanone has also supported some of the radicals' proposals, and was influential in forging the compromise on abortion (which many in his party opposed).

National Right (DN) Conservative and nationalist, it is still the main party of the non-governmental right. It has vigorously opposed most of the government's social agenda (abortion in particular). With the terrorism crisis, it has also positioned itself as the most "law-and-order" party and has spurred the government to heavily crack down on far-left circles.

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