On getting the boot, from Brussels to Bihar

After Britain, by voting for Brexit, told the EU that it could metaphorically hoof it, Italy — or at least one Italian lawmaker — has literally given the boot to Brussels, the headquarters of the EU. Exercised over the ongoing confrontation between the EU and Rome over Italy’s national debt, a legislator belonging to the populist coalition government showed his displeasure with Brussels’ rejection of Rome’s budgetary proposals by dancing on the veto statement wearing shoes that he proudly proclaimed were made in la bella Italia.

The practice of demonstrating political dissent by the unconventional use of footwear has a long tradition closer to home, where those accused of purveying jhooth are administered jootis, be it in the form of a garland of chappals or a slipper doing double duty as an improvised Scud missile. Indeed, so prevalent is this custom that our polity might soon prove to be an example of what is called a barefoot democracy. That such shoe business should find traction in Italy should not occasion surprise in that the country is often described as the boot of Europe, complete with heel and toe. And now that it’s strapped for cash and on its uppers, the description could be said to be a shoo-in. In their defence, however, it could be said of all those who prefer footwear factionalism to mere words that they would never allow Bata to melt in their mouths.