27 percent of Italians want to be more German

Despite the anti-German rhetoric of populist politicians, targeting the country’s leader Angela Merkel, this week’s Ipsos poll showed that Italians may be warming to Europe’s economic powerhouse.

Twenty-seven percent of Italians said they would like Italy to more closely resemble Germany, swiftly followed by 19 percent opting for a more Norwegian approach.

The results see Italy leap across the north-south divide that has characterized the eurozone crisis, with Italians abandoning their debt-ridden southern neighbours such as Spain and Greece.

Four percent of Italians also overcame their rivalry with France, admitting that their country would be a better place if it was more French.

While northern European nations were the most popular results, 12 percent of Italians would like their country to be more like the US.

Communism would be preferable to the way Italy is currently run, according to a handful of respondents. Three percent would like Italy to be more like Cuba, while two percent would like a more Chinese Italy.

Despite Italy’s economic woes, 28 percent of people would like the country to stay just as it is.

The same number backed Italy’s coalition government and said the best political solution would be if Prime Minister Enrico Letta’s cabinet continues as it is.

Almost half of Italians – 48 percent – would prefer the government to fall and for fresh elections to be called, the poll found.

A minority of 17 percent called for a government reshuffle, a suggestion currently under discussion in Rome.

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