Mario Monti, the Italian Prime Minister, has urged the E.U.’s leadership to recognize the efforts that the Italian government has made, as well as the sacrifices made by the Italian citizens, to fight the debt crisis which threatens to envelop the country. What he is asking for of the E.U. leadership is concessions, and he cites lower interest rates as one such concession being sought. The concern is that without policy changes from the E.U., the country could wind up in “the hands of populists,” many of whom are against the principles of the European Union. Mr. Monti believes that his success at restoring financial stability to Italy hinges on the E.U.
