Mario Draghi’s bid to become president is bad for Italy and Europe

an election for the Italian presidency, a mostly ceremonial post, attracted as much interest as the one that begins on January 24th in Rome. An electoral college of 1,009 parliamentarians and regional delegates is charged with choosing the next head of state, and will hold daily ballots until the job is done.One reason for interest is the ever-controversial Silvio Berlusconi. The former prime minister has been among those most conspicuously keen to become president. But on January 22nd he gave up his ambition. Close associates had earlier admitted Mr Berlusconi was unable to rally the backing he needed, despite support from the parties of the right.