Italy is to hold an early general election. To those observing the country from abroad, this is depressing news. In recent years, Italy appeared to have shrugged off its legendary postwar instability, electing governing coalitions in 1996 and 2001 that lasted a full five-year term. Now, just 20 months after the last election, the centre-left has lost power as a result of internal divisions, and parliament is to be dissolved. For the Italian political class, one constantly struggling to prove its maturity, this is a shameful step back to the old ways of governing.

Blame for this latest political crisis can be spread widely. Romano Prodi's centre-left government certainly enjoyed some success. Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa, Mr Prodi's excellent finance minister, restored some order to the public finances. He did much to reduce tax evasion. Yet throughout their time in office, the centre-left parties have squabbled among themselves in the worst traditions of Italian politics.