May 2, 2008. Copyright 2008, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Time for Berlusconi to make good on his promises
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, May 2, Graphic News:  He may not have ridden in on a white charger but Silvio Berlusconi returns to power as ItalyÕs knight in shining armour. With economic woes on the rise and national pride in the gutter, who better than Il Cavaliere to put the country back to rights?

At least, that must be what they thought when they elected the brash right-wing media mogul to a third turn as prime minister on April 15. Whatever his critics think of him, Berlusconi is certainly bold, and his empire proves heÕs capable of making billions. Italians are hoping that the businessman can apply his Midas touch to national woes.

With an empire that spans construction, insurance, advertising, publishing and soccer, Berlusconi never really went away after losing in 2006 to left-wing rival Romano Prodi. Even so, his return to government is remarkable, not least because he has been on trial several times for corruption and is dogged by allegations of shady dealings.

Born in Milan in 1936, Berlusconi studied law and worked as a cruise ship crooner while he prepared for his business breakthrough. It came with Milano 2 -- a settlement of luxury flats he developed on the outskirts of the city. He built ItalyÕs biggest media empire, Mediaset, and accumulated almost 150 other companies through Fininvest.

In 1994 he swept to power with his Forza Italia party but rifts with his right-wing coalition partners and a tax fraud case led his government to collapse a few months later. His second term (2001-06) is remembered chiefly for laws his government passed to make him and his key allies immune from prosecution. 

To many, their perma-tanned prime minister is a colourful cad who is also immune to political correctness: he has been complimentary about Mussolini, less so about ÒuglyÓ left-wing women. Aged 71, he has rejuvenated his looks with a hair transplant and a facelift. 

Once back in office, he faces a pile of problems, including a mountain of rubbish in Naples and a disintegrating national airline, Alitalia. He also has to get along with demanding coalition partners, including Umberto Bossi of the Northern League. One thing seems certain: his coat of armour wonÕt stay shiny for long.
/ENDS