We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
ITALY’S INDEFATIGABLE FORMER prime minister Silvio Berlusconi appeared on television today for the third time in as many days to vow a return to political life.
“You need me, and I always help people in need,” Berlusconi, 76, said in a lengthy interview with Rai Uno ahead of elections expected in February.
The scandal-plagued billionaire, who was prime minister three times over the past two decades, said that if Italy continued on its present course “we’ll have three million unemployed, the government will have to raise taxes and we will find ourselves like Greece, on the brink of civil war”.
The flamboyant former premier renewed criticism of austerity measures implemented by Mario Monti, a technocrat who replaced him in November 2011 following a parliamentary revolt and a wave of financial market panic.
“The situation has deteriorated with the politics of austerity,” Berlusconi said on the evening talk show “Porta a Porta” hosted by a friend, Bruno Vespa.
Berlusconi, who announced his comeback bid earlier this month, said he did not think Italians were tired of him.
“We will prove it in the elections. I have received urgent calls to not let the situation deteriorate in the country I love,” he said.
The media magnate, owner of three private television stations, boasted that his TV appearances had boosted his People of Freedom Party’s standing by four percentage points, while admitting that there was “a long way to go”.
The party’s popularity has dipped to around 15 percent in opinion polls from nearly 38 percent when Berlusconi swept to power for a third time in 2008.
Centre-left leader Pier Luigi Bersani is tipped as the likely winner of the elections, possibly as early as February.
- (c) AFP 2012.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Possibly the worlds biggest ego?
Lil Wayne. In contrast he has the worlds worst music
Probably the world’s smallest set of scruples (and penis?).
Have you never heard of a man named “Paul Hewson”
Tell him he can come back on the condition that twink becomes his first lady, should do the trick
2nd biggest, Donald Trump is the worlds biggest ego. He’d be worlds biggest foreign language ego all the same.
in a corrupt system, the man who knows how to navigate corruption is king
You got to admire the sheer gall of the man!
This ego maniac will take the entire country with him just to ensure he can’t get justice. Such a hypocrite
Italy needs him like they need a hole in their tanned little heads!
He may take them out of the Euro, which given Italy’s strong fundamentals would allow them to return to strong growth.
Italy has long term debt issues but is day to day budget is the envy of most of Europe, including Germany. Its personal savings are over 8 trillion and its banks are well capitalized. It has a host of strong domestic brands that are world leaders.
He is a complete shyster and a crook though, but if he did that one thing it would make a great difference to Italy.
Just go to Hugh Heffners Gaf and hibernate where you belong!
if the Italians vote this back in they deserve everything they will get..
We’ll see how FF get on here next time around..
Ah feck it! Just what Europe needs….a great orgy!
Ah go on, let him back in.
It’ll be the icing on the cake in the fiasco that is euro zone management.
I will laugh my arse off if this COWBOY runs Italy again.
Could not believe it when i read he was trying to get back into power. (did Dictators have similar traits) the sheer audacity of it. Then today he announces he is engaged to his daughters child’s friend. The men of Italy probably find this entertaining and the teens. Surely the Mamma s renowned for their sense can demand some intelligence. slightly reminds me of what Charlie haughey …how he fooled the Irish..but we allowed it…will the Italians
Should be very interesting to see what happens if he gets in.
Only “interesting” if you live somewhere else. For those who live here in Italy it would be catastrophic.
It’ll be a disaster for all of Europe. Things always get worse before they get better, but the question is, how bad do things have to get before ALL political leaders can make a decision that improves things.
i have to smile whenever he opens his mouth.
step aside gervais,berlusconi will be hosting the oscars next
The man is great Craig did I spell that right
Ok, ok, it’s funny, but less so with repeated posted…
In fairness he is only 50 years older. Nothing to do with money or such. Once I would have said better an elected politician then someone appointed by out side powers as in Italy or Greece (at one stage). But then we ended up with Enda…
Well at least he makes you laugh. The video of him with the parking lady…..priceless
C U Next Tuesday u child molestor
have your say