Look behind you, Lucas and Mario

Commentary feature. If the technocrats in power in Italy and Greece since mid-November 2011 fail to work miracles, the extremists parties are waiting in the wings. Articles also notices the rise of similar parties, often critical of the European Union, in France, Finland, the Netherlands, Hungary and Austria.

The writer suggests that the trouble is that, while Messrs Monti (Italy), Papademos (Greece) and Draghi (ECB President) are very able men, they are not miracle-workers. The danger is that the situation in Europe may now be too far gone for even the most steely and brilliant of technocrats to turn things around.

EUObserver, 30.11.11: The EU's 'techno party' is hollowing out democracy http://euobserver.com/7/114425

ESO: Background information: Find other Commentary Features in ESO on Challenges facing EMU http://www.europeansources.info/advSearchLink?keyword=commentary%20feature%20emu%20challenges%20&searchOption=all

ESO: Background information: Europe against the people? http://www.europeansources.info/record/charlemagne-europe-against-the-people/

Der Spiegel, 2.12.11: Jürgen Habermas, the last European (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/1242541-juergen-habermas-last-european

Le Monde, 16.11.11: Our friends from Goldman Sachs… (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/1177241-our-friends-goldman-sachs

The Spectator, 16.11.11: Frankfurt Group, Europe’s hit squad (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/1175691-frankfurt-group-europe-s-hit-squad

The Guardian, 16.11.11: In defence of Europe's technocrats http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/16/europe-technocrats-politics?INTCMP=SRCH

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