Italy 2013: The official thread

[Antonio the Sixth]

Considering most Italian leftists are way to the right of Tony Blair, I really don't see the problem.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Good. Honestly, PD did not deserve to win these elections. If they can get their ass kicked by M5S or independent left-wingers, that's perfect.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Alfano's not resigning. The no-confidence motion failed and Berlusconi has made it clear he will stay. No idea what you are talking about, Cris.

[Antonio the Sixth]

So...Berlusconi just got actually convicted of something no-take-backsies this time or is there still some other shoe out there somewhere in the Italian judicial system waiting to drop?

From what I have heard, it seems to be mostly over for him. I guess there are a few ways out (such as a presidential pardon), but they are extremely remote.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Yeah but the ban from public office hasn't been finalized yet and the statute of limitations will probably run out before they settle on that.

Berlusconi said he isn't quitting and is committed to relaunching Forza Italia.

Oh for crying out loud.

If I understand correctly, the statute of limitation should not be relevant because the verdict has been pronounced once and for all; it is only the sentence that has to be redefined.

Of course, even a public office ban doesn't mean that Italian politics are finally free from Berlusconi. But it's still, by all measure, a good day for Italy.

[Antonio the Sixth]

PdL will officially ask Napolitano for pardon, probably threatening to make the government fall. If he does, he will make it official that there is no justice in this county.

[Antonio the Sixth]

What is the actual likelihood of a pardon? (I know Napolitano is considered principled, but how principled is Napolitano considered?)

Napolitano certainly has principle, but he has shown some willingness to compromise them for "the good of the country" before. Still, I have a hard time imagining he could go that far. He literally can't find any other serious justification for pardon other than PdL's blackmail, and he would lose all the respect that most Italians had for him. I can't guarantee that there is no wishful thinking in my analysis though.

[Antonio the Sixth]

PdL is about to hold a demonstration, in half an hour.

Jaichind, even Berlusconi's activities pre-1994 were marred with corruption and malpractices of all sorts. In fact, it's almost certain the reason why he jumped into politics was in order to escape from the inquiries that were drawing closer and closer.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Before '94 Berlusconi had a political protector, a PSI politician from Milan who's surname had five letters in it, one of which was an 'x'...

Yeah, Craxi saved his ass a couple times, notably by legalizing his illegal TV broadcasting activities ex post facto, back in 1984.

[Antonio the Sixth]

In other news, Italy officially has its own Dennis Rodman.

[Antonio the Sixth]

This is Milan



In september the People of Freedom (Pdl) will return Forza Italia (FI)

[Antonio the Sixth]

The Senate Committee on elections will meet one week from now to deliberate Berlusconi's expulsion from the Senate.

[Antonio the Sixth]

The Committee vote on his expulsion should take place tomorrow. The Senate vote, probably in mid or late October.

[Antonio the Sixth]

I've been asked to lock this thread, so there you go. It's been a good run.