Thanks to the BBC for blasting this out in the article Nepotism alive and kicking in Italy. I won’t spoil the article for you with a summary, just go read it. Nepotism runs throughout Italian society. If you know the right person you can get a job, a discount, a table in a packed restaurant, planning permission, a mortgage (well, maybe not that since 2008!) or jump the queue for a multitude of services. That’s also how MPs get their seats through the party system. As Italy heads for the polls, think about how this reflects on a member of the EU, and read my naughty little book (available on Amazon now for just 77 pence/equivalent):

Again, the BBC article in full is here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21507168