Berlusconi turns to the European Court of Human Rights, this time

Wednesday, 28 August 2013. Running short of ideas Silvio Berlusconi turns to the European Court of Human Rights in order to try and avoid ousting from politics after final sentence for tax fraud.

Aha, I've got a new idea!

After he was sentenced to a 4-year term in jail for tax fraud, Silvio Berlusconi has truly tried everything, from weeping in front of thousands of fans (after his party delivered the crowd by bus to Rome), to staging an “air Blitz” on Italian beaches, he also tried to blackmail his PdL's ally Democratic Party in the coalition government («either you vote against my ousting from the Senate» he allegedly told them «or I will tear the government down», and die with the Philistines...), and just putting his feed down («my removal from politics is “unthinkable”» he sent word via his loyal squire Angelino Alfano).

Neither the recruiting of Freedom Fighters  to fight a jihad to defend its leader brought the desired results...

Berlusconi exit form politics “unthinkable”?

Saturday, 24 August 2013. After a long lasting meeting at Silvio Berlusconi's home in Arcore, People of Liberty party's secretary stated that removing the former prime minister from parliament over a tax fraud conviction is ”unthinkable”.

Me, out of politics? Unthinkable!

Has Silvio Berlusconi been convicted as a fraudster? Was the sentence confirmed by three different courts (including the Supreme Court)? Never mind, removing him from the Italian Parliament is "unthinkable", said Angelino Alfano, after a PdL's meeting in Arcore where the party hardliners – apparently led by Daniela Santanchè - seemed to have prevailed.

At the plenary assembly in Villa San Martino in Arcore nobody was missing (otherwise it wouldn't have been such “plenary”...): Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Angelino Alfano, Renato Schifani, lawyer Niccolò Ghedini, former Minister for Public Administration and Innovation Renato Brunetta, Sandro Bondi (yes, the guy who hinted at a civil war, as Berlusconi sentence was disclosed), Maurizio Gasparri, top Twitterer Maurizio Lupi and – of course – Daniela “Nice piece of ass” Santanchè. Berlusconi's girlfriend Francesca Pascale wasn't mentioned, but she lives there...

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.

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).

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.

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.

Berlusconi prison sentence upheld by court (but Silvio's army misunderstood the verdict)

Thursday, 1 August 2013. As millions were holding their breath Supreme Court rejected Silvio Berlusconi's last appeal and sentenced him to a four-year jail term. Live.

Italian and European flag in the background, a special edition of Mediaset's Rete4 newsservice
about its boss, Silvio Berlusconi

Almost everybody in Italy was waiting for the dramatic ending of one of Silvio Berlusconi's trial, a tax fraud case involving the billionaire's mass media company Mediaset.

The Cassation's (or Supreme) Court was in charge of ruling the appeal, the last one, which was rejected.

The sentence, read out loud by the president of the Supreme Court, upheld the prison term (four years), but quashed the ban on Mr Berlusconi to hold public office (actually the court just passed the buck to a Milan's appeal court).