Earlier quoted context omitted.
Italy was the lab for modern populism in politics for 20-30 years. The nation is suffering from corrupt politicians like Berlusconi having tight bonds with the mafia. Don't put this on "the people" who can barely do much if the whole system is undermined by their leadership for decades.
People did elect both Berlusconi and the current government.
The point is that some stakeholders of the political class worked on hollowing out the Italian political system for 2-3 decades. And corruption is an issue in economical growth.