The difference between Austria and the UK is that Austria has a politically secure government, a comparitavely strong economy and is not a shit place to live. It's insulting to the Austrians to compare us to Austria. And yes, we are becoming similar to the Italians. The economy is stagnant, everywhere outside London is underdeveloped, corruption and money laundering is rampant within London. At least the Italians have a competent leader who is popular.