The fall of Rome, and the rise of the technocrats...

Interesting article in the Observer on the backstory to Italy's current predicament :
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/12/silvio-berlusconi-italy-change-rules

And, while it's hard to see the departure of Berlusconi as a blow to democracy, there is something slightly worrying about how the reigns of power seem to be falling into the hands of unelected officials. The only consolation is that it's better than elected populists I suppose, but I still am reminded of George Pompidou's quote:

"There are three roads to ruin; women, gambling and technicians.
The most pleasant is with women, the quickest is with gambling,
but the surest is with technicians"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/13/europe-rise-technocracy-editorial

 And (added 15 november) : http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/14/technocrats-europe-bad-politics-economics