Here in Ireland we are in the Euro and have the lowest unemployment rate in the EU (4.2%). So the problems many countries are having in the Euro have nothing to do with the currency. It has simply become a scapegoat for unpopular governments - especially the Italian one.
Polls show 27% of Italians want a return to the Lira. I think the Italians have a Swiss-style direct democracy provision to their Constitution triggering referendums if 4 million sign a petition. However, the turnout has to be at least 50% or the result is invalid - like the vote on liberalising infertility laws is like to be with just 14% turning out today though the poll is continuing tomorrow.
Actually, when Italy first joined the Euro its unemployment fell along with France and Germany's as the then weak Euro made exports to the US cheaper. When the Euro became strong (rising from 82 US cents to $1.38 c and now $1.21 cents now), that hurt exports. However, the existence of the Euro means that no longer can the Lira go up and down versus other Eurozone currencies. So outside of the Euro, things could be worse for Italy.
In Ireland, 6 months before we joined EMU, we had 10% interest rates, compared to 2.5% now. Ask mortgage-holders do they want a return to 10% interest rates and see what answer you'll get.
Italy, France and Germany's main economic problems are connected to:
A: High taxes
B: Inflexibly labour laws that make sacking a worker too difficult and give unions too much power e.g. secondary picketing.
C: Rampant and intransigent trade unions.
Nothing to do with the Euro.
Malsua, you think they were better off as it was?
With 11% unemployment?
Get real!