AS WE PLAN to spend a few days in Italy during toussaint (All Saints) break, it was interesting to read a story in the paper today that reports that organized crime (Mafia) represents 7% of GDP in Italy, making it the biggest segment of the Italian economy.Wow! That’s a lot of Tony Sopranos!
The report (released by the Italian government) claims that Mafia crime accounted for $128 billion in receipts last year, up from $105 billion in the previous year. The report adds: ‘from the weaving factories, to tourism to business and personal services, from farming to public contracts to real estate and finance, the criminal presence is consolidated in every economic activity.’ I wonder the Mafia had anything to do with the game-fixing scandal that rocked the Serie A, Italy’s highest soccer league, in 2005-06? (That was sarcasm in case you missed it.)
We may feel the effects of Italian 'crime' early in our trip when we experience the criminally high prices you have pay in tolls on Italian motorways.
2 comments :
Dear French for a While,
My husband and I are considering whether to live in Italy or France. We have the freedom for him to live in either location due to his work arrangments. We also have two children. If you had a choice which country would you choose to live in for a period of 5 years?
Thank you for your reply.
Melinda
melinda7351@yahoo.com
Melinda Melinda:
I'm going to email you
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