It is generally recognized that Berlusconi entered into politics to avoid bankruptcy after his protector (and beneficiary of large donations) Mr. Craxi, then Prime Minister, fell due to corruption. But Craxi was the one who blocked a law against TV monopoly in Italy that would have stopped Berlusconi's expansion and control of the waves.
Over his 17 years in power, most of his political action was to reinforce his economic power, making the Parliament approve laws in favor of his companies or in his own personal interest to avoid being condemned for his economic crimes.
It is being recognized that his recent resignation, following a loss of majority in the House (but not in the Senate) was prompted by the risks of his financial and industrial empire to collapse. In seven years, the value of the Mediaset stock fell from more than 7€ to 2,36€ today. Profits fell and are falling. His right hand, Confalonieri, would have demonstrated to him last week that his stay in power could have meant the collapse of the company and of his many affiliates. Knowing that the Parliament would not have endorsed any new law in his interest, he resigned but the stock continued fall today.
Confirming this scenario are the news that he would have requested Mario Monti, the new Prime Minister, not to issue any new laws on TV broadcast and on conflict of interests....
A crook is a crook is a crook and Berlusconi will remain a crook until he dies.
Thousands of people rallied in Rome to celebrate Beerlusconi's resignation. It was impressive, really what you see when a dirty regime falls. And I would have loved to be there.
But I am far from celebrating. He is a crook, this is known, surrounded by desperate crooks who see their future endangered. The endangered species of Berlusconi's friends. As only the right can do, like in the USA against Obama, Berlusconi's allies started shooting at Mario Monti expected to become the next Prime Minister. A respected person against a crazy crook, this they cannot envisage. And the most violent are the betrayers, those who jumped in Berlusconi's wagon from the left or the extreme right.
The game is not over, Napolitano cannot do everything on his own, the left groups play their usual tricks that returned Italy to Berlusconi in 2008, the Church is active with the so called Christian Democrats, another unreliable group that survives thanks to the funds given to his leader by his father in law (it doesn’t matter for the Church that fact that the guy, Casini, married twice, he is useful....) that moves with the wind....
We are not there yet and even if Monti makes it, the legacy of 17 years of Berlusconi's power will not go away so fast.
Crossing fingers but quite pessimistic tonight
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