Italian politics succumbs to 'think-tank mania'
di Guy Dinmore

Italy's shifting political scene is producing what commentators call "think-tank mania", with the latest example today's launch of an institute by Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, entrepreneur and chairman of Fiat and Ferrari. Following the trend of others with either "Italy" or "future" in their title, the new think-tank goes for both in calling itself Italia Futura.

It has triggered inevitable speculation - despite his repeated denials - that Mr Montezemolo, 62, is preparing to enter politics. Italia Futura's entry comes at a watershed moment. Questions over prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's continued immunity from prosecution come as politicians are focusing increasingly on the shape of politics in a post-Berlusconi era, amid signs that the bipolar party system that emerged from the 2008 elections is disintegrating and heading towards a reconfiguration of the centre.

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