Italy: Iraq and economy are key

In the second of a series of reports on the European election campaign from six countries around Europe, Tamsin Smith reports from Rome.

When Italians go to the polling booths on 12 and 13 June, they face no fewer than 13 electoral lists ranging from the far right to the far left.

Romano Prodi has plunged into party politics for the European vote

Voters will chose 78 candidates to represent them in the European parliament.

But on the campaign trail there has been little talk of European issues.

Against a backdrop of economic woes and the unpopular presence of Italian troops in Iraq, the tenor of the debate is domestic.

The European vote is set to be a crucial test for Silvio Berlusconi's government.

The list of candidates reads like a Who's Who of Italian politics and, in true Italian electoral style, there is also a catwalk of celebrities from the world of media and sport.

But the European election here is predominantly a personality war between Italy's prime minister and his archrival, European Commission President Romano Prodi, who is the unofficial figurehead for the main opposition United Olive group.

The use of Romano Prodi's image next to slogans like "Iraq - a mistaken war" raises the question whether this compromises his independent role as president of the European executive power.

Money vote

All eyes, however, are on Silvio Berlusconi who is now living the stickiest situation in his political career.

The prime minister hopes to woo voters by heading his Forza Italia party list himself, although it is well known that he has no intention of taking a European Parliament seat if elected.

His tanned and immaculate face smiles down from gigantic billboards, each one splashed with big numbers representing big government achievements... interestingly quoted in the old currency of lire rather than Euro.

Recent research, and a string of satirical take-offs buzzing round the internet, suggest many voters are unimpressed by this big-brother style of electioneering.

But it is the prime minister's failure to keep election promises and reduce taxes which has contributed to a recent plunge in his popularity ratings.

Voters are worried about inflated costs of living and high-profile problems of industrial giants like Alitalia, Fiat and Parmalat have done little to ease fears that the national economy is in freefall.

For many people, this election will be a chance to vote directly from their wallets.

Shadow of war

But the Iraq issue could prove far more damaging to government fortunes.

The opposition parties have already seized on mounting public hostility towards the presence of Italian troops in Iraq and disquiet over the torture allegations.

With 20 Italian troops already killed, and one Italian hostage, many analysts agree Iraq could be one that pushes a large number of undecided voters towards the ballot box.

The recent release of the three remaining Italians held hostage in Iraq, could even work in the government's favour, calming some of the bad feeling over presence of Italian troops in Iraq.

The prime minister's Forza Italia party website has posted 10 reasons why citizens should vote for him.

"He's rich but not a snob," reads one

"He's not a professional politician," proclaims another.

They are themes which attracted support in the past, but now in such delicate times will voters be convinced?