I have always been considered to be the most German among Italian economists, which I always received as a compliment, but was rarely meant to be one.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I am certain that most Germans have instinctive liking for Italy, just as Italians admire Germans for their many qualities.
I am often considered almost not a part of the profession of Establishment economists. I am even referred to as a sociologist. And by that, economists usually do not mean anything flattering.
Italians have always had a high savings rate. They love putting their money into their own government bonds - even more than in houses, stocks and gold. The higher rates climb, the happier they are to invest. So if austerity plans drive rates up, it's music to Italian ears.
I'm Italian, but some people think I'm Jewish because I work the Yiddish. I also work the Italian, by the way.
The savings rate in Italy is high, but the markets do not trust Italy even though it's the third largest economy in the European Union and the eighth in the world.
My friends often tell me how very German I still am.
The Italian economy is certainly the weakest of the big European countries.
Some Italians are geniuses, but you have to find a balance.
I know that many in Germany think we have a merry financial policy over here.
In my long life, I have known some great economists, but I have never counted myself among their number nor walked in their company.