April 4, 2006. Copyright 2006, Graphic News. All rights reserved

ItalyÕs colourful prime minister faces bumpy election ride
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, April 4, Graphic News:  If once it was unthinkable that a media tycoon whose empire spanned many of ItalyÕs key business interests should become prime minister, today it is almost as surprising that Silvio Berlusconi is fighting for his political life. Almost -- but not quite.

Barring an upset in elections due next weekend, the signs are that Silvio BerlusconiÕs centre-right government is likely to lose to long-time rival Romano ProdiÕs centre-left Union, spelling an end to the mogulÕs reign as ItalyÕs longest-serving post-war leader.

Experts are debating whether recent statements likening Communist rivals to alleged Maoist baby-boilers and a fresh warning against immigrants are signs of desperation or a last-minute call to the faithful who have accompanied ÒIl PadroneÓ on a steady and, it has to be said, impressive climb to become one of the world's most powerful men.

Born in 1936 as the son of a local bank official, Berlusconi was once a cruise ship crooner. Later, he went into construction, winning plaudits for the Milan 2 garden city he built outside his hometown. In the 1970s he branched out into television, acquiring several TV stations and publishing titles for his company Mediaset.

These aided BerlusconiÕs foray into politics in 1994 with Forza Italia, whose name was a borrowed soccer slogan. His business interests include football club AC Milan.

He won that time, but lost the job of prime minister to Prodi in 1996. In 2001 he reclaimed the title to pursue conservative policies that have encouraged free enterprise but not growth. More controversially, his House of Liberties coalition has passed several laws that benefit his own companies, as well as shortening the statute of limitations for fraud.

Berlusconi, who has been convicted twice and stood trial no fewer than six times on charges including tax fraud, false accounting, embezzlement and attempted bribery, has managed, at least to date, to sidestep the consequences. Critics claim his campaign for a third term has been helped by the fact that his investment firm controls the countryÕs three largest television stations. Political opponents, they say, have not got a look-in.

In the past Italians have shown they are willing to overlook such issues in favour of electing a charismatic leader. This time, however, they are duty bound to consider the woeful state of the economy, which is stuck on zero growth. Berlusconi has made a last-minute attempt to win voters by alleging that the opposition plans tax hikes.

Whatever the outcome of the election, few doubt that this is the last to be heard of Berlusconi. After all, the confident, perma-tanned politician who has admitted to having a facelift has made headlines that have raised ItalyÕs profile -- in one way or another.

One of the worldÕs richest men, Silvio Berlusconi is married to Veronica Lario, mother of three of his five children.
/ENDS