Abstract

Despite many reforms, evidences from the past decade prove the Italian fiscal policy still being «irresponsible», and its decision-making allowing for political opportunism. The article understands the problem from a public choice perspective: opportunism is a natural result of unconstrained «raw politics» that appropriate institutional designs can control. It then presents qualitative data showing that current Italian irresponsibility follows inappropriate constraints, and reasons that the recent European provisions can support a more fruitful institutional change.