Italians attack politicians’ perks

As the first unpopular elements of the Italian government's austerity drive came into force in July 2011, hitting the pockets of lower-paid Italians, pressure was building to rein in the high cost of the country’s politicians, who have amended the budget to protect their own interests.

Stoking popular passions over the issue was an anonymous Facebook author, calling himself a former parliamentary aide, who began to reveal what he alleged were MPs’ secret privileges.

Deutsche Welle, 22.7.11: Italians fed up with Rome's pampered politicians http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15258634,00.html

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