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I am sorry, but I think that anyone who can win an election will be eager to govern immediately, so the technocrats will have no chance to implement measures that would only be possible through an interim government in which politicians will not be directly involved. Another problem, in the case of Italy at least, is that there does not seem to be a clear leader who could win an election. Berlusconi had a very ineffective opposition and this helped to keep him in power. I fail to see too many options in this case and I also do not know enough about Greece's situation to ascertain whether it is right or wrong for them to have a technocrats government. In the case of Spain, we are having elections on Sunday and it is almost certain that the opposition will win. But again, I am not certain whether this would prove beneficial for the country or whether a group of well chosen technocrats would do a better job. And I must say that I am not the only one with similar thoughts. Today, one important radio held a competition to nominate technocrats to form an interim government in Spain, following on Greece's and Italy's steps. Perhaps, it is not a bad idea after all. In any case, it is not going to be easy for anyone. I only wish that someone in power could put a halt to the markets' voracious speculation.

Ram, I think that the markets are gambling with sovereign debt as if they were in a big casino. They have nothing else to bet on at the moment and they are buying and selling to make small margins that will keep them going. Perhaps, if the EU would place restrictions on these type of operations... say that they cannot sell within the first 30 days, that could make a change. As for Mr B... I don't think that many would believe a word of what he says. And Bella, I agree that the greatest danger is how these situations can become contagious and affect everyone.

I tend to agree with Raggio, at present and as long as we are submerged in this crisis, it is easier and safer for the politicians to leave it up to the technocrats to fix... or to fail in the process. This morning, I was listening to a reputable Spanish political commentator talking on this topic. You may know that there are general elections in Spain on the 20th of November and he was comparing the ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ-Spain situation and wondering whether a technocrat government would be a better solution. After all, and just as he said, there is not such a thing as real "democracy" in action when an elected political party appoints members of the cabinet. They appoint fellow members of the party to repay political favours but, in many cases, they do not follow the basic rule of choosing the right person, with the righ knowledge and qualifications for the job. And the general public, even fellow members of their own party, have nothing to say about those choices. This is not "democratic" at all and this is why a government made out of highly qualified technocrats may not be a bad idea. In any case, time will tell and I wish them luck, because Italy needs it. Bella Caroline, cheer up, it may not be doom and gloom for everyone. Keep your fingers crossed! 

Yes, it sounds exactly like the French taxes and I do think that the ICI will be back in force - we don't mind as we pay this tax - and I think that this will be good for the municipalities as they are not getting much money from the central government. I thought that it was crazy when they abolished it, as the building industry crisis was already looming and that was another source of revenue for the local comune which was going to dry up.

Penny, in Florence the best value for money deal is at Trattoria Bordino, next to the Ponte Vecchio. Bisteca fiorentina and salad for 10 euros or the lunch menu for only 7 euros. Cheaper than eating at home: Besides, the restaurant is terrific. Great atmosphere.

I would agree with Bella Caroline, prices in France have not increased at the same rate. On the other hand, property taxes in France are much higher. You can never win with governments!!!!

Perhaps, an easier form of establishing the business would be to offer self-contained mini-apartments with a kitchenette. This way, you avoid the food handling problem. When we went to Rome, earlier in the year, we rented an apartment near San Giovanni in Laterano which was made up of two smaller apartments, each one with its own facilities and kitchenette. That gave them lots of flexibility.

The times when both Italy and Spain were quite cheap are ancient history, and I am not talking about Greece or Portugal. Ever since the introduction of the Euro, prices started to escalate and nowadays you do not find big differences between shopping in Italy, France or Spain. Some items are a bit more expensive depending on the particular country, but others cost about the same. I do my shopping in the three countries and I do not notice many differences. What is very expensive in Italy is energy costs and this is why, if you stay in the country during the winter months you have to plan very carefully your heating system and have good insulation. Besides, energy costs will certainly go up very soon due to the new economic measures. The VAT is going up one point to 21%. It is going to be extremely hard on low income earners and pensioners.

Wow! It is more complicated and subtle than what I originally thought... I can see your point, Penny.

Great blog! I have subscribed. Although I cannot eat too many sweets because of health reasons, I enjoy reading good recipes.