Pothead politicians: high on more than life

Ever see a politician on C-SPAN and thought, “he must be on drugs”? That’s what a TV show in Italy set out to answer. The TV crew of the show Le Iene (the Hyenas), known for its satire and practical jokes, approached 50 representatives as they exited Parliament, asking for their thoughts on the 2007 ...

606716_Cocaine5.jpg
606716_Cocaine5.jpg

Ever see a politician on C-SPAN and thought, "he must be on drugs"? That's what a TV show in Italy set out to answer. The TV crew of the show Le Iene (the Hyenas), known for its satire and practical jokes, approached 50 representatives as they exited Parliament, asking for their thoughts on the 2007 budget.

Ever see a politician on C-SPAN and thought, “he must be on drugs”? That’s what a TV show in Italy set out to answer. The TV crew of the show Le Iene (the Hyenas), known for its satire and practical jokes, approached 50 representatives as they exited Parliament, asking for their thoughts on the 2007 budget.

In between segments, a makeup artist dabbed their sweaty foreheads. When the soiled cotton was tested, four tested positive for cocaine and twelve for cannabis. Some officials actually found the stunt to be amusing. Francesco Caruso, a parliamentarian who admits to regularly smoking pot, said to Corriere della Sera half in jest, “What sort of place is this? Mafiosi, sleaze merchants. And now cokeheads.”

Not everyone is laughing. Many parliamentarians have expressed outrage at the stunt, claiming a violation of privacy and trust. Amid all the uproar, Italy’s Privacy Authority has blocked the broadcast.

Read More On Europe | Politics

More from Foreign Policy

The USS Nimitz and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and South Korean Navy warships sail in formation during a joint naval exercise off the South Korean coast.
The USS Nimitz and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and South Korean Navy warships sail in formation during a joint naval exercise off the South Korean coast.

America Is a Heartbeat Away From a War It Could Lose

Global war is neither a theoretical contingency nor the fever dream of hawks and militarists.

A protester waves a Palestinian flag in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, during a demonstration calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. People sit and walk on the grass lawn in front of the protester and barricades.
A protester waves a Palestinian flag in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, during a demonstration calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. People sit and walk on the grass lawn in front of the protester and barricades.

The West’s Incoherent Critique of Israel’s Gaza Strategy

The reality of fighting Hamas in Gaza makes this war terrible one way or another.

Biden dressed in a dark blue suit walks with his head down past a row of alternating U.S. and Israeli flags.
Biden dressed in a dark blue suit walks with his head down past a row of alternating U.S. and Israeli flags.

Biden Owns the Israel-Palestine Conflict Now

In tying Washington to Israel’s war in Gaza, the U.S. president now shares responsibility for the broader conflict’s fate.

U.S. President Joe Biden is seen in profile as he greets Chinese President Xi Jinping with a handshake. Xi, a 70-year-old man in a dark blue suit, smiles as he takes the hand of Biden, an 80-year-old man who also wears a dark blue suit.
U.S. President Joe Biden is seen in profile as he greets Chinese President Xi Jinping with a handshake. Xi, a 70-year-old man in a dark blue suit, smiles as he takes the hand of Biden, an 80-year-old man who also wears a dark blue suit.

Taiwan’s Room to Maneuver Shrinks as Biden and Xi Meet

As the latest crisis in the straits wraps up, Taipei is on the back foot.