ITALY'S MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Chronicle (Levin), 14 November 1946, Page 5

ITALY'S MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Received Weduesdav, 7 ji.m. LONDON, Nov. 18. I'eviewing the results of last Sun ilay's municipal eleetions in Italy, tlie Times' Rome corresjioudent says that in tlie main there lias been a pro iiounced swing to tlie Lei't in north and central Italy while tlie K'iglit main tains its jiosition in tlie >outh. Tio Deniocratic/thristians, tlie most power ful single party iu tlie Cliambers, emerged l'rom tlie eleetions iiitdfv sliaken, failing to head the poll in ai.v city and in Rome, their cittidel, they are losing 80 por cent. of the votes secured in the general election. The surprise of tlie day was tlie success oi tlie U01110 (^ualunque (common man ; Party which came Jirst iu I'alermo. seeond in Rome and Najdes, and seorcl unexpeetedly well in Titri 11 and Flor ence.

The mass of tlie electorate, with 1.0 allegianee to any jiartieular party hui with a fear of ( 'oinmuuism, couphu with the dire ueed for men with drive and a eoiistructive policy, has undoubt edlv deserted tlie Deniocratic Ghristiuus and tlirown tlieir weiglit beliiud tln niovemeiit of Signor Giannini which promises it has 110 rompromise with tlie Left Wing extremists ' act ion 'insteau of talk in Ihe domestie spliere, and a more vigorous defence of traditional deniocratic principles. It is signiiicaiii also tliat the Uomo C^ualunque move ment came out 011 ihe eve ot the poi!, as tlie fervent cliampion of 1'apacy in competition vvilh tlie Deniocratic ('iiris tian I'arty which lost many supporters who lioped to see a more resolute hui wark against Goiumunist penetration.