Berlusconi ‘propels us towards chaos’

Italy is in the midst of a political upheaval after the September 28 resignations of five ministers from the coalition government led by the Democratic Party's Enrico Letta. Silvio Berlusconi's decision to ask his ministers to resign is criticised by nearly all the country's press.

Published on 30 September 2013 at 15:15

The new government crisis created by People of Freedom leader Silvio Berlusconi comes a few days before a Senate vote scheduled to decide whether or not he should be stripped of his parliamentary immunity due to his conviction for tax evasion. His official reason for calling for the resignations is his refusal to support several budget measures, including an increase in VAT.

The Corriere della Sera speaks for the "moderates" who form the bulk of its readers – and of Berlusconi's electorate – who, today are "outraged". For the paper's editor-in-chief, Ferruccio de Bortoli –

Cover

The irresponsible choice made by Berlusconi and his faithful supporters [...] has the bitter taste of an inconsiderate and desperate action. It serves no useful purpose. It does not change by one iota Il Cavaliere's legal destiny, but it forces a country held hostage to the brink of a new precipice. The blow to Letta's government [...] causes untold damage in particular to Berlusconi's electorate which consists of families and businesses. [...] Il Cavaliere's explanation – an instinctive reaction to excessive taxes – is a nonsensical pretext. The cost of the Arcore [Berlusconi's home] proclamation, if it results in early elections, is quickly tallied: the modest signs of rebound will evaporate, major investors will become even more wary of a country they do not understand and in which they do not want to risk their capital. The cost of the debt is bound to rise. [...] Businesses will continue to die and many others will not benefit from the rustling of growth. [...] Jobs will continue to decline. The 2014 budget [...] will be dictated by Brussels. The benefits gained last May, when excessive debt procedures were dropped, will disappear. The government that wins the next elections will probably be forced to sign an unconditional surrender to the troika – the EU, ECB and IMF.

Receive the best of European journalism straight to your inbox every Thursday

Stampa editor-in-chief, Mario Calabresi, also agrees saying "basta" to a crisis seen as "useless and disastrous" –

Cover

Silvio Berlusconi's unexpected decision to have his ministers resign in order to make the government fall is a tough blow for our country. This humiliation propels us towards chaos, towards lack of credibility, which, in turn, puts us back under surveillance and confirms all the worse biases regarding Italians. This week, instead of discussing the fact that the country's primary telecommunication firm will shift to foreign hands or that Alitalia will soon no longer be our national airline company, we are drawn into one man's legal spiral of woe. [...] In two weeks, the 2014 budget must be presented, a key moment for those, like the rest of us, who's finances are fragile; on November 15, the EU evaluations will be made public; our debt is rising dangerously – the IMF noted the risk to Italy two days ago. And we, who desperately need a shield of protection and credibility, are left naked and disarmed.

In the press close to Berlusconi, however, the tone is completely different. The director of Il Giornale, Alessandro Sallusti, accuses Prime Minister Enrico Letta and his taxes of “bringing down the government,” while defending Il Cavaliere’s decision to protect his interests ahead of future elections —

Cover

Once again, both the politicians and the commentators could not be more wrong. To varying degrees, they thought, or feared or even wanted Berlusconi to bring down the government on the issue of his personal affairs. That has not happened. He was not motivated by sense of responsibility […] but above all, because he did not want to endanger the only heritage he really values, apart from his children: his electorate. What would have happened to all of these voters if the People of Freedom (PDL) had endorsed a decision to empty Italian pockets? […] We do not know what will happen once Letta has fallen. But today we have had confirmation: those who want to impose more taxes are incompatible with Forza Italia, Berlusconi’s former party, which he has now revived.

Forza Italia, whose relaunch was recently announced by Il Cavaliere, will compete in the next elections, instead of the PDL, which has been judged to be too undisciplined. As sociologist Ilvo Diamanti, notes in La Repubblica

Berlusconi still has the benefit of political consensus, and even more economic and media power. And he will make use of these advantages, if he cannot impose his choices, to block the choices of others, and to control dissent in his party. With one ultimatum after another, Berlusconi will fight to the bitter end. Because he is fighting for his political survival and for Forza Italia. […] That is why he wants a vote as soon as possible. Because ever since its foundation in 1994, up until the most recent elections in 2013, Berlusconi’s “personal party” has always been at its best in general elections. And that is why he has transformed politics into an ongoing election campaign. And today, to guard against external threats and internal tensions in his party, he needs fresh elections — and the sooner the better.

Tags

Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!

It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.

Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support independent European journalism

European democracy needs independent media. Join our community!

On the same topic