New York Times: Silvio Berlusconi
Silvio Berlusconi has dominated Italian political life since he was first elected prime minister in 1994, just as his television empire Mediaset has helped shape the country’s imagination over a generation. He is now in his third term, although the terms were not consecutive.
In the fall of 2011, there was a widespread belief in Italy that the Berlusconi era was coming to an end. Markets sent the cost of the government’s bonds to their highest level since the introduction of the euro, as fears rose that Italy would become the next — and by far the biggest — casualty of theEuropean sovereign debt crisis.
Mr. Berlusconi promised deep budget cuts and sweeping reforms. But weakened by a series of legal cases and sex scandals, along with the defections of some key allies, Mr. Berlusconi seemed unable to deliver more than a fraction of this deeply unpopular agenda.
Facing ridicule from other European leaders, in November he was forced to take the humiliating step of “inviting’' the International Monetary Fund to look over Italy’s shoulder to ensure that it carries out reforms.
In the eyes of many political observers, Mr. Berlusconi’s government was surviving only because his rivals had not yet concluded that they would be better off with him out of power. He faced a pivotal vote of confidence on Nov. 8.
Background
Mr. Berlusconi first came to power after a huge bribery scandal brought down the established political order, in which the Christian Democrats, Socialists and Communists for decades presided over a jobs-for-votes system that helped build up the public sector. He served a year.... http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/silvio_berlusconi/index.html?inline=nyt-per
Highlights From the Archives
Prime Minister’s Escapades Finally Raise Eyebrows
The debate over Silvio Berlusconi is not just about sex, but critics say, reflects an inattention to Italy’s deep problems.
May 29, 2009WORLDNEWS
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