The basic assumption behind the mano forte is Italy's childlike belief in its own incapacity to solve problems. Indeed, according to EU statistics, Italians are the most alienated citizens of the un-enlarged EU; the most likely to agree that "Good luck is more important than hard work" or "I feel left out." They are the least likely to be optimistic. They have an implicit belief in the superior problem-solving skills of outsiders — be it a dictator from outside the parliamentary process, a law-enforcement figure or a foreigner.