Tuesday, 13 August 2013

Berlusconi and his political heir (yes, another one...)


Tuesday, 13 August 2013. As Silvio Berlusconi's political future appears more and more doom and gloom, observers, friends and allies of the former prime minister point at his daughter Marina Berlusconi as new leader of the centre-right in Italy.


Marina Berlusconi with her younger  brother Pier Silvio
«I don't believe this will be the end of Berlusconi. The sentence [for tax fraud] will boost his approval» is the opinion of Northern League's founder (and disgraced former secretary) Umberto Bossi, a long-term friend (and sometimes foe) to Silvio Berlusconi, interviewed by Italian wire service ANSA.


Bossi will add that Berlusconi's daughter Marina could pick up the baton, adding to rumours that's been spreading since months.

Wednesday, 7 August 2013

Berlusconi and the last race


Wednesday, 7 August 2013. An Italian newspaper reveals details of Silvio Berlusconi last attempt to escape from imprisonment.


Silvio Berlusconi, almost ready for the tour
After the Giro d'Italia (the Italian version of the French cycling race Tour de France, which took place in May 2013), according to right-wing newspaper Libero, Italy is going to witness another country-wide event, the Giro della Libertà (i.e. Tour of Freedom in English), a race meant to keep Silvio Berlusconi away from prison (if he's fast enough), after his conviction to a four-year prison term for tax fraud.


What are the details of the tour? The Knight was quotes saying «Until 15 August [Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary], I'll stay put,» to his inner circle he met at his residence in Rome Palazzo Grazioli, «but then I'll make a bang.», before moving on to his villa in Arcore. The objective of all this fuss? Obtain the presidential pardon from head of state Giorgio Napolitano (we assume).

Monday, 5 August 2013

Berlusconi tearful pledge of innocence in front of thousand of supporters


Sunday, 4 August 2013. Thousands of Berlusconi's supporters travel – free of charge – to Rome to listen to Forza Italia's founder pledge of innocence and refusal to be called (and treated as a) fraudster.


Francesca Pascale soothing a pining Silvio Berlusconi, during a gathering in Rome after the former prime minister definitive conviction for fraud
Silvio Berlusconi and girlfriend Francesca Pascale, moved and tested
Who thought that Silvio Berlusconi's first definitive conviction would mean get rid of the billionaire and calm down Italy, should think again, as the former prime minister gathered thousands of supporter in a meeting in Rome and Italian politics seems bound to plunge into turmoil.