For my part, this little scum bag will always be tied to the invasion of Iraq and thus is a WAR CRIMINAL.
The FOOLING AROUND with the TEENAGE GIRLS is just another manifestation of the sliminess of his character.
"Berlusconi is put to test in Italy’s regional voting"by Alessandra Rizzo, Associated Press | March 27, 2010
ROME — Premier Silvio Berlusconi faces a significant test in regional voting to be held across Italy tomorrow and Monday — and danger is all around him.
The conservative premier is coming off a lackluster period that has seen his approval rating fall amid a lingering economic crisis, a corruption scandal, and an investigation into his alleged attempts to influence TV coverage.
Going into the election, he fights not just an emboldened center-left opposition, but also the risk of disaffected voters deserting the polls. And some of his allies are looking to make significant gains at the expense of the premier’s party. Whatever the outcome, “it’s not going to bring the government down.
Can't argue with the conclusion....
Berlusconi’s majority is there and he’s not the resigning type,’’ said James Walston, a professor at the American University of Rome....
Voting will be held in 13 of Italy’s 20 regions, as well as in a handful of cities. Almost two years into Berlusconi’s current premiership, the balloting is significant because some 41 million Italians — out of a population of 60 million — are eligible to cast votes. Berlusconi hopes to renew his mandate effectively through a strong popular endorsement. The opposition Democratic Party wants to reverse years of sagging fortunes and bolster its leadership credentials.
Berlusconi’s allies also have an agenda. The Northern League hopes that a strong showing might earn it more power in the national government. Gianfranco Fini, the charismatic speaker of the lower house of Parliament, hopes to further establish his credentials as a successor to the 73-year-old Berlusconi as conservative leader.
--more--"
Returns came back quick:
"Berlusconi victorious in Italy’s elections; Regional vote seen as test of support" by Alessandra Rizzo, Associated Press | March 31, 2010
ROME — Premier Silvio Berlusconi emerged as the victor in regional elections held across Italy and widely depicted as a test of his popularity, final returns showed yesterday.
It was down.
Another stinking election in the West.
Berlusconi’s coalition won crucial races and wrested control of four regions from the opposition.
?????
Hopes for the other side dashed big time, huh?
The Northern League, an anti-immigration party and government ally, also fared very strongly, and will probably see its national influence significantly increase....
For Berlusconi, the success means a strong popular endorsement for the remaining three years of his mandate.
Something smells in Italy and it is not the great food.
It gives the Italian leader momentum to push through controversial reforms, including overhauling the justice system....
With each sentence the stink grows greater.
Final turnout stood at 64 percent — high by the standards of many Western democracies, but 8 percent down from the last Italian regional elections in 2005. Around 41 million people were eligible to cast ballots in the country of 60 million. Analysts had predicted that a low turnout would hurt the governing power — as it did with President Nicolas Sarkozy in recent regional balloting in France.
See: European Vacation: Sarkozy's Sacre Bleu
Well?
But Berlusconi repeatedly urged his supporters to go to the polls ahead of the vote Sunday and Monday.
Turnout was down!
In the last couple of weeks, the 73-year-old premier went on the offensive and stepped up his campaign through numerous media appearances and a big rally in Rome.
Ooooh.
In the end, the voters who deserted the polls appeared to come from both sides.
That what they are telling you Italians? Pfft!
Almost two years into his current premiership, Berlusconi appeared vulnerable coming into the election, making his success all the more significant. His popularity has been falling as Italians grow concerned by job losses, frightened by the country’s economic future, and increasingly detached from a political class mired in corruption scandals.
Do I even care about fooley elections anymore?
I don't know if this had anything to do with it or not.
Also see: Ancient Roman ceiling collapses
No, I don't want to stay for lunch.
