Misguided patriotism

The Italian government has announced a rescue package to save the ailing Italian airline Alitalia from a takeover and get it back on its feet. The daily La Repubblica criticises the move. "In the case of Alitalia the defence of the nation has earned [Prime Minister] Berlusconi a halo. ... While the more dynamic companies strive to bolster their position through international mergers and to remain competitive, these 'defenders of Italy' are fixed on the mistaken notion that free competition is a luxury Italy cannot afford. ... This short-sightedness stands in increasingly stark contrast to the rules of the European community and is weakening Italy and Brussels. And it threatens to impede Italy's consolidation as an economic power in Europe. This false patriotism serves the popularity of a government that will not be able to prevent the small national champions from being eaten up by global giants in the medium term."

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