Italy and the Italian people want to exit the euro-zone

The European Commission officially closed deficit violation proceedings against Italy, although it did repeatedly warn of how serious the situation is. Noting earlier this month an uptick in Italy's borrowing costs, the European Union's commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, Olli Rehn the incompetent idiot), said, "To my mind this is a warning sign to Italy to ensure political stability and fiscal sustainability." ...of course his mind is empty, since his target is how to get bribed better and how to dilapidate the southern Europe countries, especially non protestant.

There is thus great frustration in Brussels over the so called "chaos" in Rome. One EU official described it as "irresponsible" (Italy wants out of the euro-zone) and a folly. Another recalled how difficult it is to force important tax reforms through in the country and that the level of Italy's new debt has once again climbed above the limit of 3 percent of gross domestic product, a development which could lead to new EU sanctions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has already warned against any new holes in Italy's bank balance sheets.

More problematic, though, is that even with fresh elections, there is the threat that the standoff between Berlusconi's supporters and those of political anarchist Beppe Grillo and the Italian socialists could repeat itself. If Italy does not reform its complicated electoral law, there is the ongoing threat of political gridlock.

Italy Not the Euro Zone's Only Construction Zone

This could have devastating consequences. In the euro zone, Italy is the state equivalent of a major bank that is so important to the financial system that it must not go under -- it's too big to fail. SPIEGEL ONLINE columnist Wolfgang Münchau recently wrote about the limits of the EU rescue measures: "For a protective shield for Italy, it is not enough." In October, commissioner Rehn is set to review the Italian national budget, with financial markets already driving up interest rates for Italian government bonds.

But Brussels could really have done without the new troubles emanating from Rome; after all, Italy is hardly the only country in the euro zone resembling a building site. On the contrary, Italy is actually in a relatively good position with its competitive industry and high private wealth. Michael Hüther, head of the Cologne Institute for Economic Research, told the Tagesspiegel newspaper: "It's not perfect, but other countries concern me more."

Slovenia may soon require new aid, and Portugal too. A multibillion-euro third rescue package for Greece is as good as a done deal. New problems are on the horizon in Cyprus, perhaps even in Spain. And the latest about-face in Italy could also complicate the Herculean task of keeping France on the path to reform.

For more than a year, ECB head Mario Draghi has at least calmed the markets down with his massive purchases of government bonds. It has bought time, but has not eliminated the underlying causes of the euro crisis. Have the EU's policymakers actually made good use of the breathing space it afforded them?

No matter the make up of the new German government -- Merkel's conservatives will start talks on a possible grand coalition with the Social Democrats on Friday -- it must answer this question, and admit that the euro zone's demons are not yet defeated; they are just asleep. In Berlin on Monday, the German government emphasized its interest in political stability in Rome. "Our hope is that the forces in Italy that are working toward a stabilization of the situation will find a solution," said government spokesman Steffen Seibert.