WTI Magazine #29    2014 May, 8
Author : Francesca Papasergi      Translation by:

Italians are having tough times with political communication.

European and local elections are around the corner, and politicians' faces are everywhere. Walls, mail boxes, e-mails, social networks and newspapers are covered with their electoral posters, but the real battlefield is tv.

Since the costs of politics are charged on citizens through the ultra-criticized "electoral reimbursement" formula, two different laws determine how and how long politicians can partake in tv shows.

Seemingly, the "Par Condicio" (that's the name of the law about these things) should conciliate every party's requirements, but the smallest ones claim this system disadvantages them. Nonetheless, for what we know, the process can be improved, but the perfect one does not exist. The agenda is usually discussed by the main parties; their members are either part of the government or its opposition's leaders. They get more time on the tv naturally, because of who they are, not because of their political program or activism. For instance, Mr. Grillo easily verifies this equation.

Small parties make do with boring political programming no one ever watches, and they have to deal with some unconventional strategies. Paola Bacchiddu, the communication manager of the Tsipras List for Europe, got a lot of attention posting a picture in which she's sunbathing, wearing a white bikini. Sexism? Exploitation of women's body? Not at all. Everything seems legit: à la guerre comme à la guerre.

Wait for the elections, Italians. And, till that moment, try to dodge politicians, if you can. Good luck.