The legacy of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who died recently at the age of 86, is felt throughout contemporary politics, according to Paolo Gerbaudo, a sociologist at Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa and King’s College London. Berlusconi's use of "extreme personality politics", visual media, and "unashamed demagogy" to tap into voters’ cynicism and disillusionment about the status quo was prefigurative of the populist politics of former US President Donald Trump and many rightwing politicians who were dominant during the 2010s, Gerbaudo argues. Berlusconi was able to deploy sensationalist tactics to win public attention owing to his extraordinary use of Italian TV, most of which he owned. However, while viewing his style as prefiguring Trump and right-wing populism, Gerbaudo describes Berlusconi's political content as simply neoliberal, with Berlusconi being best seen as the link between neoliberalism and populism. Berlusconi also played a role in introducing Italy's far-right into mainstream politics by forging alliances with the separatist party Northern League and with the post-fascist Alleanza Nazionale party.
Silvio Berlusconi, the media tycoon and politician who served as Italy's prime minister four times, has died at the age of 86. Berlusconi, a flamboyant figure who was known for his antics and scandals, entered politics in the 1990s when Italy was facing a severe economic downturn and political corruption. He promised to make Italy great again with his conservative Forza Italia party, which won almost 43% of the vote in his first prime ministerial election. His supporters saw him as a self-made man who represented their interests despite the 30 trials initiated against him and his personal scandals. However, his antics were calculated, according to Italian journalist Giuseppe "Beppe" Severgnini, and many Italians were ashamed of them. Berlusconi eventually died following pneumonia and COVID-19.
Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian media mogul and four-time prime minister of Italy, has died at the age of 86. Berlusconi was a controversial figure, with a reputation for corruption. However, he was also highly influential, transforming Italian politics and shaping the country's image in the world. Berlusconi was born into a middle-class family in Milan, where he developed a talent for making money from an early age. He founded a real estate firm, Edilnord, and a local cable TV company, Telemilano, before acquiring multiple other media and property assets via his holding company, Fininvest. Among his other accomplishments, Berlusconi helped save his hometown football club AC Milan from bankruptcy in 1986, and later purchased and revitalized Monza football club. His political career began when he founded the Forza Italia party in 1993, which quickly rose to power through a combination of advertising and the appeal of his personality. Berlusconi would serve as prime minister four times, before being banned from public office due to tax fraud in 2013.
Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian prime minister, has died aged 86. The former media tycoon led three Italian governments between 1994 and 2011 and his Forza Italia party is a junior partner in the current ruling coalition. Berlusconi died at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan, where he had been undergoing treatment for a lung infection linked to leukaemia, which he is said to have suffered from for some time. Berlusconi had a career tainted by corruption allegations, tax fraud convictions and sex scandals, but remained an active political figure until his death.
The death of Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi raises questions as to whether his political party, Forza Italia, can survive his passing and continues to reduce its strength within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government coalition. The party's close relationship with Vladimir Putin has attracted attention given Italy's commitment to its NATO allies and support for Ukraine. During his lifetime, Berlusconi traversed an arc from a crooner to a successful businessman, owner of the AC Milan football club, and media tycoon before entering politics.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and leader of the Scottish National Party Nicola Sturgeon appear to be finished as populist phenomena. Johnson’s resignation from office within the past 24 hours and Sturgeon’s misconduct in relation to judicial proceedings in the UK remind us that politics is primarily about serving the people, rather than feeding one’s own ego or securing one’s own power. These two examples show how populist approaches to governance can fail the voters upon whose support such efforts must rely. It also highlights that for all their specific differences, both Johnson and Sturgeon shared a set of worrying similarities, such as scant attention to detail, disregard for the concerns and needs of others, a lack of Statesperson-like qualities, and an absence of personal or professional integrity. Meanwhile, Italy’s Georgia Meloni provides a contrasting example of how populists can be successful by pivoting their political stance in light of changing developments and not rather running on false promises or fleeting concerns.
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's attempt to shape the country's foreign policy by supporting Vladimir Putin in Ukraine would have left Italy isolated in NATO and the European Union. Berlusconi, who once made himself foreign minister as well as prime minister, believed he had established Italy's position on the world stage by protecting national interests and solidifying support from Western allies. However, his favoring of Putin over Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky would have placed Italy in discord with its allies.
Italian farmers and consumers are calling on the government to limit foreign durum wheat imports to support domestic producers and achieve greater food security. Over 50,000 signatures were gathered as part of a petition organised by the Italian farmers association, CIA. The group claims that Industry Minister Adolfo Urso recently called a crisis meeting due to the price of pasta, the country's staple, increasing by more than double the national inflation rate, partly due to the cost of wheat falling after an influx of imports, particularly from Ukraine. Although Italy imports some wheat because the country does not produce enough for all its needs, the CIA said Ukraine has lower production costs as it is not required to comply with EU rules on pesticides, food quality and safety standards. Italy's pasta industry fears that uncontrolled import increases will mean the loss of Italian wheat production, the closure of hundreds of cereal farms and thousands of jobs.
The German government is offering its 18-year-old residents €200 ($216) from a €100 million funding scheme via the KulturPass app to spend on local cultural activities of their choice, such as visiting museums, films, theater, and concerts. The money can also be used to buy records, books, or musical instruments but cannot be spent outside of Germany. The initiative aims to attract young people to engage with local culture and support the country's suffering cultural sector. Other European countries, including Italy, France, and Spain, have previously launched similar schemes.
Italy will be adopting a "right to be forgotten" for cancer survivors that aims to protect them from discrimination by insurance companies or banks. The pledge was made by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and is intended to safeguard the rights of more than 900,000 cancer survivors in Italy who could face difficulties when applying for a loan, insurance, or adoption. Campaigning group, Italian Medical Oncology Association (AIOM), is already pushing for the reform, and Meloni has called on Health Minister Orazio Schillaci to assist with the draft laws' progress through parliament. The proposal specifically allows for cancer survivors not to share information on their previous condition with financial institutions if 5-10 years had passed since the end of their medical treatment. The laws would bring Italy in line with other EU countries such as France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal, who have similar RTBF provisions in place.
The decision by the Italian government to honor former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi with a national day of mourning has sparked controversy. Some opposition politicians refused to attend his state funeral, while others criticized what they saw as an inappropriate sanctification of a divisive figure. Berlusconi, who died on Monday aged 86, will be laid to rest on Wednesday in Milan's Cathedral. The funeral is expected to attract several thousand people, including top political leaders and foreign dignitaries. Berlusconi's career was marked by scandals and legal trials, and he was seen as a highly divisive figure in Italian politics.
Thousands of mourners attended a state send-off for Silvio Berlusconi in Milan's cathedral. The former Italian prime minister died on Monday at the age of 86. Some criticised the funeral and national day of mourning, arguing Berlusconi's tax fraud conviction and involvement in scandals meant he should not be given such an honour. Others, however, praised his contribution to Italian life, including his ownership of AC Milan football club and his presence in politics.
Silvio Berlusconi's state funeral in Milan drew controversy and divided opinion. Thousands gathered outside Milan's Duomo to pay their respects to the former prime minister. Fans of AC Milan football club carried flags and scarves dedicated to Berlusconi, chanting "One president, there's only one president" as his casket was carried into and out of the cathedral. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, League leader Matteo Salvini, and other political figures were in attendance. Foreign dignitaries, including Hungarian President Viktor Orban and Qatar's ruling emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, also paid their respects.
European governments have reached an agreement on a new migration deal that will introduce an element of "mandatory solidarity" among member states. Under the deal, countries beyond the front lines of migration, such as Germany and France, will be required to take in at least 30,000 asylum-seekers each year. Any countries that refuse will have to pay €20,000 ($21,600) per migrant into an EU fund. In return, the front-line countries, such as Italy, will be responsible for hosting camps where some migrants' asylum claims will be processed. The agreement also includes plans to throw money at the root causes of migration. The deal still needs to become EU law, which is expected to occur by the end of the year. The agreement comes after years of acrimony and a breakdown of the EU's asylum system, which has caused thousands of deaths in the Mediterranean each year and fuelled the rise of populist politicians.
The European Union's (EU) migration policy has long been a source of division and controversy, with the chaotic asylum system leading to the deaths of thousands of migrants and the rise of populist politicians. However, a new deal between EU governments has been reached that introduces an element of "mandatory solidarity". This means that countries beyond the front lines of migration will have to take in at least 30,000 asylum-seekers per year or pay €20,000 ($21,600) per migrant into an EU fund. In return, the front-line countries will host camps where some migrants' asylum claims will be processed. The deal also includes increased financial aid to address the root causes of migration. The agreement is seen as possible due to the EU gaining experience in managing crises and because Europe is now more willing to be tough on migrants who reach its shores. However, human-rights groups are unhappy with the deal, as the EU now talks openly of withholding aid or nixing trade deals with poor countries if they do not assist with migration.
The death of Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's longest-serving prime minister, has raised questions about the future of his vast empire. Berlusconi had an estimated fortune of $7.4bn, but did not publicly indicate who would take over his businesses. It is believed his wealth will be divided equally between his five children. His daughter Marina, who chairs the family holding company Fininvest and publisher Mondadori, is expected to play a leading role. The family will be keen to shield Mediaset, Italy's largest commercial broadcaster and Berlusconi's main asset, from a hostile takeover.
The US-based white nationalist group, Patriot Front, is growing increasingly violent and poses a greater threat than in previous years, according to experts. The group, which aims to create a white ethno-state, was responsible for the majority of "hateful propaganda" in the US in 2019, 2020, and 2021, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Initially focused on clandestine propaganda efforts, such as distributing racist literature and posting stickers, Patriot Front has become more active in recent years, holding rallies and demonstrations. Experts believe that the group is becoming more extreme and hardcore, reflecting a broader trend within the white nationalist movement. The rise of white nationalism in the US is seen as a backlash against gains made by marginalized communities and the changing demographics of the country. Experts also note that white nationalist discourse has become more mainstream, providing a boost for these groups. The increasing violence and aggression of groups like Patriot Front, combined with the high number of firearms in the US, raises concerns about the potential for mass shootings and attacks on marginalized communities.
Officials of Italy's Forza Italia party, which was founded by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, have vowed to revive the party and continue the battles that were important to him. These include tax cuts, pension reform, and changes to the justice system, which Berlusconi believed was biased against him. The party plans to hold rallies to attract new members and will also focus on next year's European Parliament election. The party currently forms part of the government's coalition, but it is uncertain whether it will be able to retain its conservative base and lawmakers.
The death of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi marks the end of an era for Italy. Berlusconi, who passed away on 29 November at the age of 86, had a profound and lasting impact on Italian society and politics. He brought commercial television to Italy, shaping the culture of the 1990s and 2000s. He founded his own political party, Forza Italia, and won general elections in 1994. Berlusconi served three terms as prime minister and was known for his opportunism and ability to appeal to voters. While he promised to liberalize Italy’s economy, many of his policies benefited his own business interests. Berlusconi was a master of media manipulation, using his personality and scandals to maintain his popularity. His influence extended beyond Italy, inspiring other populist leaders such as Donald Trump and Boris Johnson. Berlusconi’s legacy is a polarized political system and a disillusioned public. Many believe that his actions damaged Italy’s democracy, economy, and societal fabric. However, he still had a significant following, with thousands of people lining the streets of Milan to bid him farewell. Berlusconi’s death marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to be felt in Italian politics.
The Italian government is considering a new law that would jail people for up to five years if they are found to be “glorifying illegal activity” online. The move follows a fatal car crash in which a five-year-old child died after a rented Lamborghini SUV collided with the family’s Smart car. The incident occurred during the filming of a video by a group called The Borderline, which had 600,000 YouTube subscribers. The driver is currently under investigation for causing death by dangerous driving. The proposed law would extend existing legislation that was originally intended to target youth gang crime.
