Berlusconi is getting richer and richer

Wednesday, 7 August 2013. As Silvio Berlusconi's judiciary woes grow and political clout wanes, his wealth seems to rise steadily, according to Bloomberg.

Now, look at me! (Photo: REUTERS)

Apart from a few criminal convictions, Silvio Berlusconi's 2013 hasn't been that bad so far, for his wealth increased by the amount of 1.5 billion US dollars (which is almost 1 billion Pound Sterling or about 1.12bn in European Euros), rising by 26 percent and reaching the mind blowing sum of $7.6bn (i.e. £4.9bn or €5.7bn), according to Bloomberg Billionaires index (#1 on the leaderboard still being Mr Bill Gates, with a fortune of $72.6bn/£46.6bn/€54.4, but Silvio has quite a nice heap of money too).

Berlusconi and the seaside blitz

Thursday, 15 August 2013 (Assumption of Virgin Mary). As Silvio Berlusconi's lawyers announce they could ask the – otherwise puzzled – head of State Giorgio Napolitano to pardon the former prime minister, a flock of aeroplanes show up on the crowded Italian beaches to spur the support for the disgraced politician.

The "Blitz" seen from Santanchè&Briatore's Twiga beach club

Frenzy weeks ahead in Italy, after Silvio Berlusconi has finally been convicted for tax fraud at the beginning of the month, a sentence that could bring the former prime minister political power to an end (and leave the centre-right hunting for a new leader).  
A protest in Rome was organised in order to express frustration against the Communists-led judiciary, while Beppe Grillo's 5SM is working hard in order to try and strip Silvio Berlusconi of his knighthood and bring the Senate to expel him.

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.