Berlusconi decreasing disadvantage on the center-left coalition

[Ummon]

He is given by center-left sponsored polls in progressive growth by 0.5% a week, at 47.5%, compared with the 50.5% of the center-left itself. Elections are to be held on April 9.

Political discussions are already going on about the fact that standstill of center-right victory in the Senate is already probable.

Another poll conducted by Italian agencies suggests that 50% of the voters think Berlusconi's campaign is more effective, while only 25% share this opinion about his rival's Prodi. The percentage of Italians who judge Berlusconi's governement negatively has dropped from 56% to 52% in a few weeks.

[Last Roman]

Italian politics. More of a mess than a baby's diapers

[Ummon]

Well, in truth, this has been the first governement to last five years, it has raised the number of workers by 1500000 units, introduced massive reforms of the outdated bureaucracy, and started widespread public constructions.

[Last Roman]

Well, in truth, this has been the first governement to last five years, it has raised the number of workers by 1500000 units, introduced massive reforms of the outdated bureaucracy, and started widespread public constructions.

well, Im glad to see progress

[Ummon]

Have you been to Italy recently?

[Last Roman]

I've never been, I really want to though (my great-grandfather is from Sicily and my great-grandmother from Calabria)

[Ummon]

I've never been, I really want to though (my great-grandfather is from Sicily and my great-grandmother from Calabria)

What you see in US movies is not corresponding to truth. Infact, it hasn't been for 20 years or more. It's just a matter of fashion to represent Italy as a backwards place, with villages of farmers and fishermen, old cars running in the streets, people speaking with funny accents, etc. Often, seeing movies like "The Bourne Identity" and others (which are on other aspects really excellent) I find myself smiling.

If you go back to Sicily and Calabria, honestly the changes will not be so apparent, but on the other hand, I trust you will be compensated by the fact that you'll see the land whence you came to America, and your relatives possibly.

[Last Roman]

What you see in US movies is not corresponding to truth. Infact, it hasn't been for 20 years or more. It's just a matter of fashion to represent Italy as a backwards place, with villages of farmers and fishermen, old cars running in the streets, people speaking with funny accents, etc. Often, seeing movies like "The Bourne Identity" and others (which are on other aspects really excellent) I find myself smiling.

If you go back to Sicily and Calabria, honestly the changes will not be so apparent, but on the other hand, I trust you will be compensated by the fact that you'll see the land whence you came to America, and your relatives possibly.

My father has been to Italy (northern Italy-Turin, Milan and Florence) and he has said that it is a modern place with an ancient backdrop. My last name is Buscemi, and I have heard from various family members that it is actually the name of a small town in Sicily.

[Sheep]

What you see in US movies is not corresponding to truth.

I heard the Italian national motto is "Thatsa spicy meatsaballsa!"

Are you saying that's not true?

[Ummon]

I heard the Italian national motto is "Thatsa spicy meatsaballsa!"

Are you saying that's not true?

I fear so. It isn't.

[Orcus]

I'm not a big fan of Berlusconi, but the last thing Italy needs is a worthless socialist like Prodi.

[imb39]

I thought Tuscony was lovely. Rome was chaotic but I did not see any evidence for corruption... What should I have looked out for? The only problem was the severe lack of tonic water. Gin - there was plenty of, however. This needs to be addressed!

[Mad Guitar Murphy]

The recent takeover of Banca Antonveneta by the Dutch ABN-amro bank was an example of how business is done in Italy. And I would by no means call it nice and transparant. The Italian chief of the central bank even had to resign because of the mess the Italians made.

[Ummon]

The recent takeover of Banca Antonveneta by the Dutch ABN-amro bank was an example of how business is done in Italy. And I would by no means call it nice and transparant. The Italian chief of the central bank even had to resign because of the mess the Italians made.

Actually, this was because of Fazio, former chief of the Bank of Italy, and great friend of the left (at least in the past), who has had to resign because his connections with communist cooperatives as well. Infact, he supported the Italian insurance company Unipol, illegally favouring Antonveneta's takeover. Unipol's chairman is now in jail (despite strong attempt of cover-up by leftists magistrates), andUnipol is a cooperative, cooperatives being run by the ex-communists.

I concur that the Dutch bank should have been allowed to buy Antonveneta.

I thought Tuscony was lovely. Rome was chaotic but I did not see any evidence for corruption... What should I have looked out for? The only problem was the severe lack of tonic water. Gin - there was plenty of, however. This needs to be addressed!

In Italy you are supposed to drink wine! Especially in Tuscany.

[Erik]

Berlusconi has been found guilty of several crimes including fraud.
But then he created special laws that made him immune.

He also controls 90% of the Italian media.
And people who made fun of him on TV have been fired.
It's pure propaganda.

And let's not talk about all the stupid things he has said.

Mybe the opposition is just as bad, but this doesn't mean Berlusconi isn't corrupt.

[Ummon]

Berlusconi has been found guilty of several crimes including fraud.
But then he created special laws that made him immune.

He also controls 90% of the Italian media.
And people who made fun of him on TV have been fired.
It's pure propaganda.

And let's not talk about all the stupid things he has said.

Mybe the opposition is just as bad, but this doesn't mean Berlusconi isn't corrupt.

None of these things is true. As I have already said elsewhere. Though this is what circulates, thanks to leftist propaganda.

Additionally, the left acknowledges the data above as well.

Italy is a country where magistrates are 75% affiliated with a leftist syndacate. Since his entrance in national politics, Berlusconi has received severel thousands of police inspections, and countless trials often based on inconsistent evidence, which in truth amount much more to a political persecution than administration of justice.

Berlusconi doesn't control Italian media. Not even the 40% of them, infact. And he has relinquished all corporate charges in his own firm.

Berlusconi is still the only subject of political satyre in Italy. Comedians asked to perform in satyrical sketches against Piero Fassino (center-left leader) and others have refused to do so on the ground that they are leftists, and they won't criticize their political party. Those journalists and comedians who were sent away from RAI state television were infact guilty of defamation and gross propagandistic bias, a misuse of the public service, not criticism of Berlusconi.

Berlusconi has been sentenced guilty only once, in very dubious circumstances.

Finally: Berlusconi has said very few stupid things (though he has said some). Sadly, the quasi-totality of Italian journalists being leftists, his jokes are constantly misreported as serious. Foreign press then reports the misreport, and the trick is done.

Berlusconi has passed laws which protected him and his party members, in the face of constant judiciary persecution, but so have done Prodi and his allies, who benefitted from massive cover-up of their misdeeds.

Overall, infact, given the fact that this man has managed to win against all the Italian political establishment, and may do so again, while reforming the state and adding 1500000 workplaces (he had promised 1000000 and everyone laughed), I am starting to consider him a really outstanding man. And I am not quick to admiration.

[Dirty Harry]

italy had 0 economic growth last year, the last thing they need is a more socialist govt.

[Ummon]

This figure was in great part due to a serious loss of working days in the fiscal year compared with the previous one.