- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
ROME – Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta, whose appointment last week ended a two-month political impasse, on Tuesday told members of his new government to draw inspiration from the travails of Italy’s controversial Silvio Berlusconi.
Berlusconi, the 76-year-old billionaire media tycoon whose holdings include three national television networks and the Medusa film production house, is a polarizing figure in Italy. The three-time premier, one of the country’s richest citizens, is best known for his penchant for young women, “Bunga Bunga” sex parties, and a long series of legal woes. In his last go-around as prime minister, he resigned amid fears his leadership would lead Italy into the jaws of the European debt crisis.
STORY: Italy Gets New Premier With Support From Berlusconi, Others
But Berlusconi has also emerged as a key backer of the new Letta government, formed two months after an inconclusive February vote resulted in a standoff between the center-right allies of Berlusconi, Letta’s own center-left coalition, and the populist party of comedian-turned-activist Beppe Grillo.
On Tuesday Letta’s new government won its second and final confidence vote. With that behind him, the new prime minister prepared for a good will European trip, with stops in Berlin, Brussels, and Paris — but not before telling his government to learn from Berlusconi.
“You don’t make difficult choices if you are scared of your own identity, if you think you have a weak identity,” Letta said in his first Senate address as prime minister. “I don’t think Silvio Berlusconi someone who has a weak identity; we must have a strong identity, like Silvio Berlusconi.”
The remarks drew criticisms from some quarters.
“It’s a government of rivals and there is no doubt the challenges ahead of it are great,” said retired political scientist and author Roberto Imola. “But I would have liked to see him call on his cabinet to put the country’s needs first. As prime minister, Berlusconi was criticized for focusing on his needs.
“Putting aside the fact that he is disliked by many people, Berlusconi might not have been the best example to hold out,” Imola said.
Twitter: @EricJlyman
Related Stories
Related Stories
Related Stories
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day