Monday 18 February 2013

Girlfriend in a Coma*

I said I wouldn't. I said I wouldn't give any more air space to this man. But as Italy descends into election frenzy and the options are haranguing you from posters on every street corner, it's difficult not to be absolutely frightened at the prospect of our ex-Leader cramming in some votes.

I heard him speak on the TV last week. Groomed within an inch of his 76 years, newly engaged to some 'carne fresca' in the form of a booby 26 year old devotee (founding member of the group 'Silvio We Miss You' Goldigger anyone?), Silvio informed the public he would reimburse cash-in-hand a disliked housing tax installed by technocrat Prime Minister Mario Monti to help fill the country's empty coffers. What a piece of work! And where to find the necessary 4billion euro? Of course! By taxing Italians working in Switzerland and reducing funding for political parties…

Whaaat? Apart from being dangerous propaganda for minds dulled by years of Berlusca's sparkling promises and lies (do remember that he started out as a sleazy cruise ship crooner), it's just not possible!

Silvio also promised that there would be no wealth tax, and this month the billionaire also managed to haul in bad-boy striker Mario Balotelli to his AC Milan football team. Rake in the votes!

Anything else in your pocket Silvio? Oh yes there were those minor silly comments praising Mussolini (a Fascist who derailed this country and deported Jews during WWII) during a Holocaust Memorial event. And his harmless comment about 'kickbacks being normal in business'. Brush those under the carpet. Oh yes there are even people who are happy to hear these things.

Italy is going to be a scrambling circus this week. Helpfully, Berlusconi's trial for paid sex with an underage prostitute is on hold as he fights what he calls his last political battle (pulling us all down the sink?). He's had lots of prime time to slam all his opponents on his own television stations, and then pound whoever is left to read the newspapers absolutely witless. His values - grinning hypocrisy, law-breaking pragmatism, soulless devaluation of morals - have so deeply permeated a large portion of Italian society that many who aren't with him are lulled into thinking his showy mockery of a democracy is the safest way to go.

Recent worrying figures have Berlusconi's Rightwing Coalition at 28.7%, just 4.9% behind the creaking Centre Left Party of Pier Luigi Bersani at 33.6%, whom Berlusca suggested might be more suited to a job as ‘sindaco di Bologna’ i.e. Mayor of Bologna.

But I am not alone in feeling revolted, shocked and tired of what this man has created in twenty years of national decline. Do look at the link to documentary trailer Girlfriend in a Coma*, co-directed by ex-Economist editor Bill Emmott, whom Berlusconi called the E-Communist (what a joke) when he and his politics were slammed. Silvio was able to block the screening of this film in Rome until after the election carnival.

Even that tells us so much.



***And if you're worried that I don't have anything positive to say about today's Italy do read my guest post Ten Things I Love About Italy on Cathy Powell's great blog An Italophile

15 comments:

  1. I beyond doubt appreciate your articles and blogs
    holidays in italy

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  2. What a repulsive man. What a joke he must think he's pulling with all this. I can't even think what to say, it's all so bizarre.

    I hope you'll escape by the skin of your teeth like we did the last time around.

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    1. It's insane, but no longer comic. A kid I teach English to yesterday said, What do I care what work I do after high school anyway? There's no jobs for us, no hope really.

      And that's the worst of it. This old rich man's self-obsession has robbed more than one generation. And as my student said, All we are needed to do is work, get taxed and pay their pensions (which are currently beyond miserly - while these septuagenarian politicians are on €20.000 a month!)

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  3. Your politicians sound as awful as ours. What a powerful opinion piece, I like your style! On a side note, I throughly enjoyed reading your guest post on Cathy Powell's blog. And I can't believe you wrote entire book in one summer. Wow, I'm in awe of your writing!
    Leslie (Gwen Moss)

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    1. Yes I really wish things would change - especially for young people. As it is many people will cast a protest vote and this will not make for economic change.

      As for the book-in-a-summer it was only a first draft and required much more work afterwards (not to mention submission/depression/submission etc.) And it was also a comedy not literary fiction which is rather more excruciating. I enjoyed myself no end! Xcat

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  4. Hi Cat
    I shake my head and wonder, how did this man get back in. I have thought he is an awful person for a long time. I really did enjoy this article. I think i am going to really enjoy your blog, thanx Lyn

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    1. Thanks Lyn it was lovely to find your blog too - great photos and a truffle hunt! Yes it's beyond belief, and hearing the way he speaks down to Italians you wonder why they even give him the time of day. But then he owns half the media! Best, ciao cat

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  5. Hello Catherine, Italian politics make Australian seem very tame in comparison. What a soap opera! So lovely to find your blog and congratulations on your book. I hope this blog allows me to comment as I've had some trouble lately. Here goes! xx

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    1. Hi Josephine, thanks for dropping by. I think I'm at saturation point with all the politicking right now - it's a horrible week here, already the mood is of such defeat, whoever wins..

      I'm really enjoying the luscious Australian light in your blog too and best of luck with your book Poet's Cottage abroad! Ciao catxx

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  6. Any time I mentioned moving to Italy, during my visit there last summer, his name came up as a good reason not to. Jesus. And I thought George W. Bush (also inexcusably re-elected) was a frightening leader.

    Nice place to visit but wouldn't want to live there?

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    1. Yes as I recall Mr. Bush and Mr. Berlusconi got along like a house on fire - Berlusca couldn't wait to join the big guns when Iraq was invaded but I think he was given stick.

      Some days - especially this election week - I wish I could run a mile. But now that spring is air and I can imagine all those Camparis we went through in Venice...

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  7. I've had your blog open on a tab all week - finally i remember to comment here. Fantastic trailer. Im hoping girlfriend wakes up soon!

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    1. Oh heck me too! But our girlfriend is in a g-string shaking her assets on one of Berlusca's tv stations ! I've had enough.

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  8. I've been following the election news from Italy for the last couple of weeks...
    I have to remind myself that the journos arent making it all up. It often sounds stranger than fiction to me - I am always incredulous when I hear that 'the B' isn't in jail or dead from viagra side-effects and plastic surgery. How on earth can people really vote for this man? Has the world gone mad?
    But Berlusconi is where the power of money and control of the media take our politics. The gutter. The sewer. Worse in fact.
    Politics and politicians are often despicable here - but the B manages to outclass them all.

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