If it were left to economics and good business sense, Alitalia, Italy’s lossmaking national flag carrier, would be well on its way to bankruptcy. Instead, Silvio Berlusconi, who is due to be sworn in next month as Italian premier for a third time, is trying to save the airline. That is a big political gamble. The chances of a successful rescue are slim; the price of failure high.

Alitalia is a test of whether Mr Berlusconi seriously intends to take on vested trade union interests and promote free competition. His handling of the affair will set the tone for economic policymaking in Italy.