Political Power & Will
Leadership and political will have had significant impacts in the evolution of Rome. Much of the changes (both good and bad) that have occured have been possible because of strong leadership.
Hitler Visits Mussolini, 1938
MUSSOLINI.
After taking power in 1921, Mussolini was able to plan for and implement enormous projects throughout the city, that radically changed the city structure and created a polycentric system for the first time. He was able to achieve this by crushing all opposition. |
LACK OF POLITICAL WILL plagued the city in the late 20th century. While strong political will can accomplish great projects, the lack of political will or power by leadership can also have a significant impact on a city. Rome experience a large amount of sprawl into the hinterlands during this time, much of it illegal and in more of a free-for-all type of environment. Lack of government control was a significant factor in allowing this unfettered growth pattern, which has caused much of the traffic problems Rome faces today. The newest city plan focuses heavily on righting these wrongs. |