Mr Berlusconi has once more grasped power in Italy, as he enters his third (and final??!!) term in office. However, even if the centre did not do too badly, the people were wary of the regurgitated one – Veltroni, which is probably why he did not win. One the other hand, the extreme left took a real battering.
That the extreme left should have done so badly is not much of a surprise to this blogger, even if some Italians find it so. Back in the UK, those in the know realised that old style socialism and communism had become out moded. Most of the workers now had the rights and money they had always sought, and now they wanted the same advantages as their middle class peers, ie lower taxes and better services. Hence the centrist ‘New Labour’. The same has happened in Italy. The left did its job, and did itself out of a job in the process.
But what will happen to Italy now that Berlusconi has been given the mandate? Good question. On paper he appears to have enough of a majority to push through a few much needed reforms, but the reality is that Berlusconi is still an old school Italian, and old school Italians do not like change. In fact, they detest it.
In Mr B’s case, one suspects that he will only bring about change if he sees that he can gain some personal commercial advantage, as more or less happened during his previous reign. This is to be expected; after all, he is a businessman. But he won’t miss the opportunity to give the appearance of pandering to the people to keep himself up top. And he has the media power to help him to do this, seeing as he now effectively controls most of it in Italy.
The tanned one has been promising hard times for Italians in the months ahead, and tax cuts.
Just what will happen really is anyone’s guess. One thing is sure though, with Berlusco in power, it will be quite a show. But whether it will be an Oscar winning performance, well……….
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As I said, Murphy’s Law in action.
I think that we are going to see some major fireworks, since Northern League made jackpot.
Hey Alex – long time no e!
If Veltroni is “regurgitated one”, does that make Silvio the “pluri-puked one”?
So middle class Italy has discovered that old-style socialism/communism is passe’. And why not, when that favorite evergreen, old time graft, corruption, thievery, conniving, blackmailing and our personal favorite, conflicts of interest are so much more entertaining.
As we all go merrily along our way to the poorhouse, we’ll have lots to laugh about with Silvio and his enlightened minions (La Lega Nord! AAAaaahahahaha!!!) keeping us giddy with cheer!
Alex, this is proof positive that people just can’t help shooting themselves in the foot.
@Cristian – yep – things are going to become interesting. I am very curious to see what the B man and the ‘People of Padana’ cook up.
How about Calderoli as Foreign Minister?
@Gege’ – what’ve you been up to? As u say long tempo no vedo.
Oddly enough, those famous ex-communist and still commy states – the place now called Russia and the place still called China – score quite highly on the old corruptometer.
Anyway, I’m happy to see you are looking forward to your dose of Padana cheer!
“Alex, this is proof positive that people just can’t help shooting themselves in the foot.” – Yep, it’s evident that Italians don’t know much about guns….even if they did decide who they wanted to call the shots.
All I can say is that the Italians must have been really peed off with the dodgy left, and chose the dodgy right instead.
Change? Who needs change? Now where’s that hole in the sand….
All the best to both of you,
Alex – the about to be banned blogger (probably)
WADDAYA MEAN, banned blogger?!?
“WADDAYA MEAN, banned blogger?!?”
Don’t worry – just joking!!!
Had you going for a moment though! Naughty me.
I wuz alluding towards the potential machinations of Mr B and his antipathy towards criticism. It ain’t happened yet……..!
Alex – the not been banned yet blogger!
PHEW! Sorry I jumped the gun. I suppose it’ll be a few days before Silvio’s secret police are up and running.
Calderoli as foreign minister? SHOOT ME NOW!
No, luckily. It seems that it was just a rumor.
They’re talking about Franco Frattini for Farnesina.
Phew…
Hi Alex, yesterday I lost my post on the huge victory of Berlusconi (it was Microsoft Word’s fault …), but now my Viva Veltrusconi! post is online. Best
Rob