The Bitter Taste Of Italy's Recovery

The economy is growing, but so is uncertainty. That’s lifting populists and nationalists

- Chiara Albanese and Alessandra Migliaccio

Vittoria Maschietto has a literature degree from Bologna University, lives in central Rome, and works in sales at a prestigious publishing house. She spends her weekends rock-climbing, visiting museums, or hanging out in cafes with friends. There’s just one problem: At 27, she can get only a temporary job that offers no pathway to permanent employment, leaving her with little sense of what’s next. “I feel like I’m stalled,” Maschietto says as she jumps on her scooter to get to a marketing course she’s taking to shore up her prospects.

Her situation mirrors Italy’s as campaigning picks up for elections on March 4. After emerging from its longest recession since World War II, the country has logged 14 straight quarters of growth. A labor reform passed by the ruling Democratic Party helped create 1 million jobs, investment is up, and industrial output has been climbing, driven by strong exports and domestic demand for machinery and equipment.