Berlusconi won because the last government was not a left government. Communists should think about their ultra-billionaire accounts before speaking about work-class power, wealth redistribution and so on. There's a general lack of coherence, I guess. It can't be possible to promote equality before assuring legality and the fundamental civil rights to italian citizens. I scarcely believe Berlusconi is the person who will do such a thing... but I'd be happy if Padania became independent and started to think about the lot of problem affecting her...

Manuela, Asti, Italy

quote: "For the British readers: the only ones who talk about communists in Italy are Berlusconi..."

Really, how can you say this when in Italy there are parties that call themselves communist?

In the 2006 elections, a party called "Rifondazione Comunista" (Communist Refoundation) collected 5.84% of votes and another called "Comunisti Italiani" (Italian Communists) had 2.32%. Both had the usual red banner in their symbol, with hammer, sickle and five-pointed star. And they influenced strongly the politics of the Prodi government.

So why don't talk about them?

Filippo Riccio, Milano, Italy

Dear Filippo Riccio, did see the Lega nord poster compairing Native Americans living in the reserves to us, poor white northern Italians, supposed to be emerginated like them because of the invasion of immigrants? according to this logic the British and Dutch colonialists are like romanian, albanians, arabians immigrants coming to Italy...Is it this the culture and the correct way of thinkig you want?

Bea, Milan, Italia

Berlusconi won because of the ignorance of the people of the North and the acceptance of Mafia from the people of the South.Now we will have five years of disastrous government,with Mr Berlusconi making laws to abolish his crimes,Italian public debt growing more and more and Mafia reflourishing in the South,as in the previous government of him(2001-2006)...in the meanwhlie probably Padania will become independent due to Lega Nord's guide of the North..Congratulations Berlusconi,congratulations Italy...

Giulio, Bergamo, Italy

Here is a comment from an English person who votes in Italy and lives in Rome to all those who say they are ashamed and want to leave Italy.

If you don't like this new government and wish to leave Italy, then go.
The majority of Italians voted for this new government.

I'm staying because this government may be able to sort out the problem of illegal immigrants who come into Italy with the intention of not working.

Diana, Rome,

What's all this talk about Communism?In Sicily, Mr Lombardo, belonging to Berlusconi's Freedom Folk coalition and known to have been colluded with Mafia, has been elected regional representative by an alleged 65% of Sicilians against a mere 30% for the leftwing candidate Anna Finocchiaro, whose plight to fight organized crime obviously meant that Mafia-controlled elections could by no means lead her to victory.Given that Italy has had but two leftwing governments (I daresay, centre-left) out of 62 predominantly centre governments,should we really allow this anti-communist rhetoric to be formulated by ex fascists and church adepts who cooperate with Mafia?I was astonished to read claims that Italian media are against Berlusconi: the whole information system in Italy is influenced by his nearly-total monopoly of media!! I also read someone accused Britons of being "obsessed with political correctness":this is absurd!You should be ashamed of yourselves for voting a man who treads upon law

Lorenzo, London/Rome,

In Sicily, Mr Lombardo of Berlusconi's Freedom Folk coalition, known for being a corrupted clientelist, has been elected regional representative by an alleged 65% of Sicilians against a mere 30% for the leftwing candidate Anna Finocchiaro, whose plight to fight organized crime obviously meant that Mafia-controlled elections could by no means lead her to victory.Given that Italy's republic has had but two leftwing governments (I daresay, centre-left) out of 62,should we really allow this anti-communist rhetoric to be formulated by ex fascists and church adepts who cooperate with Mafia?I was astonished to read claims that Italian media are against Berlusconi: the whole information system in Italy is influenced by his nearly-total monopoly of media!! I also read someone accused Britons of being "obsessed with political correctness":this is absurd!You should be ashamed of yourselves for voting a man who treads upon law, seeks alliance with the racist Lega and leads us out of the EU!

Lorenzo, London/Rome,

I am ashamed to be Italian.
berlusconi should bbe in jail, and everybody knows this.
He managed to escape prison just thanks to the laws he created especially for himself.
How could Italian be so ignorantto vote a mafioso as their Prime Minister?

silvia, turin, italy

Italy is much better placed that countries like the UK long term. It still has its manufacturing base (no thanks to the left), and still has its self sufficiency in terms of agriculture. These will prove vital over the coming years. Even France is realising that food supplies are running low as the new economies now compete for the resources that were once exclusively ours. The UK is already "eating itself" due to overpopulation, and this will prove disasterous over the next few decades.
Every policy of the left was taking Italy in the wrong direction, and I am pleased that the majority of the Italians had the sense and vision to see that.

Steve, Herts, UK

The Time's readers have to know that the people have elected Berlusconi as Prime Minister in democracy.
And that, with his errors in politics affairs, in Italia we don't think he's a clown or a criminal.
This is, for Italia, the beginning of 5 years of new politics and solutions.

Aldo, Bari,

seeking for foreign help is pathetic and ridiculous, but in line with the typical italian self-pity. I think there is only a way to resist and to continue to love our country: MAKE WITH CONSCIOUSNESS OUR JOB, without recrimination, day after day after day. good luck to all of us

cinzia, south, italy

I think now it is time for italy to decide whether to shift toward the economic and social standards of a 2nd world country or to act a very straight edge federalism, by which people from north would start benefit from the own work and from at least the attempt to cut out southern-derived corruption from their lives. If Italy is a democracy the election's results should be accepted. If Italy is a democracy opinions and wishes of northern people to start a new life without the trash of naples, unsolvable mafia problems and many other southern related troubles should be accepted.
Finally Italians are sick of a labor system damned to death by labor unions and corruption, of a politic too worried to accomplish the welfare dependent south (actually not helped at all, persisting in this way), of organized crime, of an awfully managed immigration etc .. Are you really surprised of the election's results??? These are all troubles which most people account leftish parties and politicians for.

Marcello, Vicenza, Italy

I left Italy few years ago and i cant see when I will be able to go back, as Berlusconi will further destroy Italy.
I refer to all of you who name as communists, who disapprove Berlusconi and say that we should be abroad forever. I dislike Communism as much as I dislike this dishonest and corrupted right wing. All the International press is against Berlusconi, and he makes you think that the press is all communist. Where is your brain gone?

Cecilia , London,

To all of them who say that voting Berlusconi is a good thing:
Have you ever ask yourself why Italians are the world's favorite joke!? Or why Italy has been called "the best administered country of the third world"?
So the "right voters" are ignorants and the "left voters" are communists... there is some insult for everyone, but having a prime minister that is going to have a major trial very soon and has been involved in major scandals before is not something to be proud of.. if you still are, stop wondering why people around the world say or think you (and we all) are part of the mafia. It is a simple matter of fact thinking...

Verena, Merano, Italy

I have often reacted to your anti-berlusconism which I am sure stems from a very sided view of the man acquired through the Italian media which, contrary to the common belief, are almost unanimously against him. And this is so because they belong to the economic,political and social powers that do not tolerate that an outsider like Mr Berlusconi acquires any power. In a country with 700'000 (sevenhundredthounsand) union officers who would ever dare to reorganize labour, optimize the public administration made of millions of inefficient employees, create a more equitable pension system, improve the nation's infrastructeres, reopen the nuclear plants etc. etc. without falling victim of the existing powers who if ever would decide to face anyone of these endeavours would do it within their crowd? This is what Berlusconi wants to change which so far was unable to do for the unbelievable particularism of even some of his allies. Believe it or not!

U.M. Boggio, Lugano , Switzerland

Oh my God, these comments are too crazy. Please read the book " the smell of moneys " by Marco Travaglio and reflect about it!
It is about the investigations and the trials about this fake leader who have charge to be " FRIEND " of sicilian's MAFIA!
The book says that the italian mafia have helped him to made his great empire.

Mario, Salerno,

It's imbelivable, Italian people have absolutely no pride left, this man is a criminal and a joke.
I'm ashamed of my Country.

susanna, cremona, Italia

this is the beginning of the end..god bless italy

nicola, bari, italy

the evil clown is back!
can't believe it really happened again...

luca, Napoli, Italia

Brilliant - another blow to the joy of universal adult suffrage!

Osei K., London,

Crookland again,
the poorer must remain so at the expenses of the elite's whims. In 5 yrs. time (& I wish that they won't last) the economical situation will be worse than now. Money don't grow on trees & if the last government had to increase taxes the reason must have been that there weren't any left in the state bank from the previous Berlusconi cabinet. Virtual world can only be applied to internet not in real life, by cheating accounts figures where do you think Berlusconi will lead this country?
I wished Italians would broad their view by looking at their Beautiful Nation from an international point. Stop thinking that this country needs are the ones of 40 yrs ago, everything has changed, it's time to move on. Stop patching things up, this worn out outfit has to be replaced.
Good luck to all of us & lets hope to tackle this matter TOGETHER in order for no more Berlusconi's type of government in our country.

Salvo, Torino, Italia

You can see that many people, arguably from the left, write things such as "I apologize for Italians that voted Berlusconi", or "I am no more Italian".
They really think that people voting Berlusconi's party are criminals or idiots.
For them, the fact that Sicily votes to the right is as a "proof" that the right is connected to the Mafia. So why Campania and Puglia, with their local Mafias, voted regional governments from the left?
In Italy, if you manifest some kind of cultural interest, you are often assumed to be a sustainer of the left, other possibilities are not contemplated. If you try to explain your reasons, they will look at you as a completely ignorant or mentally ill person. It happened to me many times (yes, I studied theoretical physics and I am not voting the left! Surprised?).
Left sustainers are truly apologizing, because they hadn't been able to "educate" all of us to the "correct" way of thinking (and voting).

Filippo Riccio, Milano, Italy

"Alea iacta est" berlusconi was elected with the votes that Veltroni always refused ( as coming from all kind of mafia,camorra,ndrangheta and sacra corona) Looking at the today's TV graphics the majority of approvals just come from those regions where the mafia power is stronger enough to control local electors .
That's the reason of their victory . No other reason is more reliable than this.berlusconi sells fried air.

Carlo Alberto Rosi, Rome, Italy

This is the last chance Berlusconi has, people won't fall for his shiny white smile again if he doesn't do a good job this time round.

I hope for all our sakes that the centre left dont stand in the way of reform....

Marco, London/Nocera, UK/Italy

well, there are lots of italian people writing here today, so i would like to express my opinion too. i'm an italian university student from Veneto, not so interested in politics (i support neither right nor left), but i've realized that nowadays italian people trust no more politics. every politician of this election has promised the same things: low taxes, help to families, reform of the pensions and so on. but i don't believe in them. Every italian knows that our country has no money, and that it's impossible to low taxes, indeed they should be increased to face all our problems: health, Alitalia, rubbish in Naples, education, fight against mafia, poor salaries of workers... but that's impossible too because italian families are getting poorer every day, and they can't afford more taxes.
so, i really don't know what new prime minister Berlusconi (or if it had happened, Veltroni) can do, and honestly, i think he will not do what he promised to do during his campaign. God save us!

Anna, Treviso, Italy

Today,I am living the moral decline of a great country.
"Mala tempora currunt !"

Giovanni, Genoa, Italy

I want you to know that I'm extremely worried about the future of my Country. This election's result is the proof that we are not able to learn from the past, from our history and wrong actions. Italian people seem not to have an identity, how can we face the world without feeling shame? I dont't trust Berlusconi. I don't think a profiteer can decide for all Italian people, for all the social classes. I don't think a profiteer can decide for other people at all.

Rosanna, Torino, Italia

Dear Francesca,
Even though mr Prodi's leadership has been short and the garbage problem "ancient" as Naples itself, the local government of Naples and the regional government of Campania is always been leftist and prone to the Mafia's dirty affairs.
It's not mr Prodi's fault: the fault is of the whole Left of which the last government was leaded by mr Prodi.

Davide, Ancona, Italy

Hi all.
I must be grateful to UK, UK's people, UK's democratic spirit and last but not least the Times' greating. Today the Times proves what is democracy...and a open mind....giving to me the opportunity to criticise mr. Owen from ROme and to the italian people, the whole people It seems to me :-), to write a lot of messages.
Colourful italians with all our passions: we are fans of the politics, fans of the political leaders, fans of the football teams, fans of Jesus, fans of Stalin ... We never think about something; we always gush over something...
Anyway, communists have an anthem which says:"...red flag it will triumph..." (written so in italian). Fortunately red flag it will NOT triumph this time and we can remain another little bit among civilized contries and the Europeans will not have a communist country out of their door.
Well, thanks all and God save your Queen, Italy and, possibly, our "unstoppable" mr. Berlusconi. Bye
GIorgio

Giorgio , Monza, ITALY

quote: “We have difficult months ahead that will require great strength.”

Yes, this is unfortunatly right...
I'm ashamed to be italian.

Alessandro, Trento, Italy

Northern League is the big surprise! Northern people were really tired of "non sense" immigration and "non sense" taxes! That's why they got 30% in Veneto and Lombardia.

Marco, Veneto, Italy

I would like to remind you all that also Mussolini and Hitler won democratic elections...

Are all italians so crazy? somebody asks...well, how do you call people with a mafia mentality who think that getting rich with crimes and corruption is ok? young girls for whom the greatest dream is to dance half-naked in a telly show? people who doesn't pay taxes at all, but are so ready to pay (also with sex) to pass an exam (see the scandals in different Universities) or to enter the show-business? well, maybe crazy it's not the correct word....rotten is a proper adjective.

For the British readers: the only ones who talk about communists in Italy are Berlusconi (because he's a fascist, do you know the political history of Fini?) and Toto Riina former boss of mafia areested during the goverment of the left when the Minister of Justice was a so called communist, Violante...

Bea, Milan, Italia

Finally, after 53 years of repubblic, hammer & sikle, and post-fascist, are both out of the italian parliament ! I don't care if the next 5 years we wil be governed by center-right or center-left, I think this is the best goal of this elections.

Francesco, Turin, Italy

It' so funny to read things like... "I cannot believe that so many Italians have voted Silvio after all what he did. After all the lies, after all the gaffes, after all the processes, the law ad personam, the not funny jokes, the higher deficit".

Either you have no respect of your compatriots and their intelligence (and democracy), or you do not really know how to lose like a man.
If we, the majority of the italians, want Berlusconi, despite "all those all's", then maybe it is time for his opponents to try and figure out why Berlusconi is better than them. A little bit of self-critique is necessary.
You'd better start to deal with the fact that, if Berlusconi is bad, the rest is even worst. At least, for the majority of the italians.
You'd better start to think that the problem is not Berlusconi, but the alternatives. We'd rather have Berlusconi, with all his limits, then "the dumb leader of our opponents" (to paraphrase Mr. Veltroni's favourite quote). Try to think about it.

Marco, Como, Italy

I can't believe that some italians are suprised to see Silvio win the elections. Come on, how stupid do the commies think we are ? After the damage Prodi did to this country even the commies themselves new they had no chance....God Bless this new beginning. Go Silvio, disregard all the jealousy around you and do whatever is in yr. power to fix the mess the "others" left behind !!!!

Carla Tidey, Modena, Italy

dear,Mauro,Andrea Rossella & co.
If you want to leave Italy,you are free to do it.
Lukily,there are several low cost airlines offering very affordable fares.
Just in case,I can help with some of my free miles with AZ-LH-BA-AA-UA.
During the flight,free supply of Rolaids Tums.Maalox will be available.
Lock your belts and have agood flight.
Farewell

attilio, sassuolo, italy

Prodi increased taxes so that he could pay for his extra ministers and their pay rises. Italy has the most expensive politicans in Europe! You dont always get what you pay for it seems!
All this rubbish about Berlusconi entered politics to avoid going on trial is lefty propoganda. Being a politcian does not make you exempt from prosecution, particularly in Italy where all the judges are of the left!
Berlusconi entered politics to save us from a left that has, over 50 years, put Italy in the slow lane.

Matt, Naples, italy

It is not a question of becoming richer, it is a question of living serenely and supported by our representatives. i don't feel represented nor supported by someone who tells me - with a broad joking smile - that I can solve my money problems by getting married to a billionaire like his son. I don't feel serene thinking that we have a government that will not spend a cent on environment or renewable energy. I've heard no talk on youth job problems, on minimum wage, on serious contracts, on helps to families with children, to people living on 500 euros a month. The only hope I have is that they will solve Napoli rubbish problems, if not for justice at least to demonstrate that the Left couldn't make it and they could...

Rosella, Oristano, Italy

To Serena from Palermo:

That Sig Prodi had to fill the coffers of the state is an outright lie. The coffers are always FULLER than what is let to believe, how much money is the Italian government spending on new weapons?

Sig Prodi and his pals are the quintessence of soviet line of thought that oppressed so many people in the world. I am so happy that certain “characters” are not allowed in the parliament anymore – WHAT RELIEVE!

I am not against those who disgracefully voted for Sig Prodi because I know they are confused.

Cordiali saluti,

Giancarlo, London, England

Luca from Modena is the reason why Italy has become centre / centre-right country. If a so called "communist at heart" thinks that he's fine with Berlusconi as he's going to be wealthier and because he's able to only care about his own little garden , is there something more to say? Berlusconi did not win because he has charmed Italians once again. He won because Veltroni is just another Prodi, but younger, and because the left party is a joke. Italians are selfish, racist fascists at heart and this government is exactly what this country is.
well done. I'll luckly leave this country very soon and never vote again for any of these living jokes.

Francesca, Alessandria, Italy

Its a great day for Naples!!!

Steffi, Bologna, italy

Riccardo from Lecco, the garbage problem in Naples has been there for the last 14 years and it's hardly prodi's fault.
Check your sources before talking

Francesca, Alessandria, Italy

Italy will have to go through some pain in the next couple of years that's for sure. Also this result is not only bad news, let's not forget that the small Mickey Mouse parties are finally out. But I guess Berlusconi (past performances don't promise a great deal) will just be able to add some more pain... So let's find out if Italy can handle any extra pain!

Ivan, PD,IT,

Italian people are blind! Why do we still trust a man who wants to lead only for his personal interests?He ruined Italy twice, we will not be able to stand the third. How could people vote for a joker, for a man who is not a politician, who is followed by many men who have received a definitve condemn for mafia??

Serena, Palermo, Italia

I really believe things have started to change deeply in our country thanks to Berlusconi, the reformed election law and Veltroni getting rid of the extreme left parties.
Why is it that people always seem to see the worst in people and events??
The situation in our parliament is going to be very different.
-a very small number of parties and none of the smaller ones able to make the difference when it comes to voting, so no more dictatorship by minority parties
-both main parties agree on the need and means to tackle some main issues
-a leader who really wants to change things
That has never happened in the 61 previous government!!!
It is NOT the same old soup... the same old soup is Italians not being able to do anything else but have a negative view of their fatherland, no matter what, blaming it all on someone else and never taking full responsability for anything!
Italians would never cheer Kennedy for saying "ask yourself what u could do 4 your country"...

mary, milan, Italy

I see a lot of Italian comments here, so I will add mine too.
Why so many people thinks Italians are crazy? A vast majority of people voted for Berlusconi and his party, there must be a reason. I do not think they just voted the man, but also the ideas. And if it is the third time it is going to be prime minister, it means that his opponents are simply less trustworthy than him. Most of our politicians are not honorable people, I think Italians just chose what they thought to be less bad.

Claudio, Turin, Italy

I'm astonished by the many resentful reactions after Berlusconi and lega's victory. Nobody has lived the period of Prodi's government??? What about the leftist goverment of Napoli and the town cronically covered by garbage? Corruption is everywere, and a large part of the country lives at the expense of the rest of the country. The majority of italians want a modern country, less State and more freedom and Berlusconi and the league have some more chance than the other party to help in that direction.

riccardo, Lecco, Italy

Good Lord!
all over the world the Berlusconi's enemies talk, talk, talk...
SO mr. Owen.
"Mr. Veltroni IS a former communist, he REALLY failed to tackle illegal immigration and urban degradation; AND above all he was associated with the ORRIBLE Government of Romano Prodi."
In Italy the legal system is dominated by "Magistratura Democratica": a communist association of judges. In this system mr Berlusconi and his companies in the past 14 years suffered more tha 200 fiscal and criminal trials. What should have happened in UK? If you incriminate someone should be why he is probably guilty!
Well do you know how many times mr. Berlusconi was found guilty? at the end of all court degrees? NO ONE! And the trials were conducted by his enemies!
Mr. Berlusconi does gaffes! What a terrible blame! Personally I prefer a person who speaks openly and does sometimes a gaffe, than a perfect gentleman who speaks in a way and thinks differently. Bye all. Rise again Italy!

Giorgio , Monza, ITALY

Welcome back to the Middle Ages. I'm too sad to say anything else.

Ernesto, Genova, Italy

We have finally seen the end of communism in western Europe!

Sara, Rome, Italy

cit. "Hopefully most Italians proved to be wise and mature!"

Yes, in fact they have voted the Northern League, a xenofobic, racist and ignorant party.

We have to be proud to be italian.

Ale, Milan, Italy

God please help italy ... what i need to do now is to change my name to Steven, sort out the papers for my family to move over to the UK and watch the outcome of this insane election as a foreigner, so I don t have to apologise to the rest of the world for the wrong doing of a man, the "cavaliere", that brained washed 40% of the population due to his media monopoly. Only in italy this could have been allowed let’s hope that the EU will monitor and intervene before we have recreate a Zimbabwean nation in Europe !!

Stefano , London , UK

I would only remember to all of you that Prodi had to refill the coffers of the state that had been emptied by Berlusconi and his friend Tremonti. So if Prodi had to raise taxes we should only thanks Silvio(who probably used our money to buy some new soccerplayer for Milan FC, who knows..)! As always the righter things to do are the most impopular...but italian people are not able to look forward a higher good, a common good. They are only interested in their own. Poor us!

Serena, Palermo, Italia

On behalf of all the Italian citizen who did not choose Berlusconi, I would like to apologize to the entire world for the atrocities this shameful government is going to do.

Moreover, I strongly suggest to those supporting this kind of Prime Minister to check what "P2" is and think more carefully before saying that now Italy is the country of freedom.

The only reason why Mr Berlusconi has become a politician is to avoid trials. The only thing he could hope for was the ignorance of the majority of the Italian people. And he finally succeeded. I hope this government will come rapidly to an end.

Paris, Trieste, Italy

I second Giovanni from Pavia. Anybody who voted for Veltroni (alias Prodi) has either been in a deep coma, abroad or both! The left have been arrogant and destructive from day 1, and never listened to what the Italian people wanted. They have set out to damage the family, the working man and the Italian state as a whole. Along with all that, they have destroyed the city of Naples and done nothing to help the south, even though they lied in their last election campaign by saying that they would do so. The people have realised that the left doesnt have the capability to run a nation, and are only really suited to criticising in opposition without needing to explain how they would do things differently.

Welcome back SIlvio. God save Italy!

Elisa, Napoli, Italy

Forza Berlusconi - what a great day! The dictatorship has come to an end.

I remember the first words Sig Prodi said when he, unfortunately came to power "Raise Tax and Sacrifice", an admission of his own inability to govern; because a PM that raises tax and demands sacrifice is an inept and should be brought down yesterday!! The fight on tax evasion is a well construed fairy tale as Italians try to escape this in every way possible maybe because IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to pay all that tax.

Demanding Income tax is fraud anyway.

Italy is still the country where you can see the highest number of "red flags", only to be seen in the Soviet Union or China - it is a shame! So...LONG LIVE to the Cavaliere and his good intent.

And please, don't get me wrong! All I am saying is the Cavaliere is the best we ever had in Italy but not necessarily what we need - we shall see. I agree that anyone taking on a position in ANY government should take Aptitute, Personality and IQ tests. Regards.

Giancarlo, London, England

So Luca form Modena is another so called communist who thinks about wealth and getting richer! This demonstrates what a joke the communist party is and how for years, they have fooled the poor into beleiving that they were all on the same side!

Phillip, Bath, UK

He is back again, smiling more (if so possible), with more hair (incredible!) and looking younger.
I cannot believe that so many Italians have voted Silvio after all what he did. After all the lies, after all the gaffes, after all the processes, the law ad personam, the not funny jokes, the higher deficit, the fight to "save Italy from communists"... I really cannot believe it. Have the Italians really forgot about the mafia links, Mangano, All Iberian, Lentini, the decree law to save one of his channels, the corruption, the fact that he still has process going on?
In all the fairytales the bad character lose at the end. This is just nonsense.

Elisabetta, Ancona,

I apologise for the majority of my compatriots.

Mauro, Torino,

We read here a huge number of moralistic comments by italian emigrants, that are living in anglo-protestant countries and having assumed their puri-protestant mentality. They are xpressing the deepest of prejudice towards millions of persons that have voted this candidate. Berlusconi has been ELECTED in a democratic election by millions of FREE and thinking persons. BIG elections, well done.

Laura , Milano,

Please someone let me out of here !!! It's a nightmare and a shame for me to be italian.
He is the expression of the ignorant, illegal, violent and anti democratic Italy of this times.

Marco, Roma, Italy

Gentlemen, maybe if Italian voted for Berlusconi they were forced for the lack of an alternative...Plese think before talking of what you don't know.

Carriol, NY,

Silvio berlusconi is a great man, a great entrepreneur, a great political. Thanks to him and all the right Milan won the Expo! Regions right in the economy is good: New York City - Veneto. Thanks to him the Italian industry become more competitive.
Naples is in the hands of a mayor left ....

Catia, Bologna, Italy

Berlusconi's last five years of damages to Italy's health and reputation have been forgotten.
Our first real issue is the lack of information of our abusive and corrupted media.
Everyone is able to control people and lie to the people, if the people is unknowing.
Please, help us!
For instance: send your R.A.F. for a raid over RETEQUATTRO!

Macs, Modena, Italy

It is amazing how people have no respect of a free choice of a democratic country like Italy. I may not agree with Berlusconi election but Italians are not foolish people and they deserve respect. Italian politics is very complicated and you can judge it and understand it only if you leave in Italy. If you really knew Italy's history you should know that Italians have always stood out from the crowd during the most difficult situations. I read that some people want to tear up their Italian passport. Well, do it! Italy do not deserve citizens like that!

Turi, Zurich, Switzerland

think i'm going to tear my passport up, too... after i've gone away. can't understand the people i live with. of course, due to the percentages, we deserve all that will come. remember us as a sun/pizza/mafia state rather than a berlusconi's one. good bye, europe.... we're leaving.

mauro, udine, italy

I'm a former Communist, still Communist in the heart, but I definitly I will benefit from Berlusca ruling Italy. Despite the fact I did not vote for him, I will, most probably since I'm wealthy, get even more wealthy. What grieve is my, allow me, sense of Democracy. I've had a lot of discussion with friends who have much lower wage then me, most of them votes for the PDL, hoping they will be reach. What happen? The same old fairly tale: hope, trust me, I will do your best....how is possible people still belive in the "rescuer". What do the Italian people miss? what made them so "beliver"? In the international world B looks like a "joke", why Italians think is the saviour off al the devil? A sad day for Italy...not for me.

Luca, Modena, Italia

I'm ashamed to be Italian . I can't stand the idea that the world will mock at us for choosing such a man to lead our beautiful country and not trusting Walter Veltroni , a honest man admired by men of culture all over the world . I only hope that soon Berluscone will show its unfitness to govern

fulvia, milan, italy

I feel like living in G. Orwell's Animal Farm, when at the end the sheep say "Four legs good, two legs better!". I can not believe that over the 47% of Italians has forgotten the Berlusconi's dreadful five year government, from 2001 to 2006.

Andrea, Cremona, Italy

All this moaning by Italians is touching.

However, unlike in Britain, Italians do not live in featureless and overcast supermarket towns. They are not burdened with crippling personal debt nor are their house prices on the verge of collapse. Despite recent immigration, they still retain their strong national identity and have not lost it to multiculturalism. They still have a sound manufacturing base and a strong currency. And finally, when they retire, they will remain in their own country and not flee in droves to Spain.

In every society there are workers and shirkers, and Italy is no exception. The key for Italy is to convert the latter to the former as much as possible if she is to avoid long term problems.

Peter B, Lincoln,

Dear ex-italians, if you really think what you wrote about Berlusconi's victory, that means you really know very little about Italy, and understand very poorly its social, economical and political structure. Said this, it was probably good that you left Italy many years ago not to come back anymore...good for you and good to us. As for Elisa's comment from Venice, why don't you ask yourself the reason that moved more than half of Italian people to vote Berlusconi's coalition? Maybe because they remember very well the broken promises by Prodi-Veltroni.

Giovanni Maga, Pavia, Italy

Prodi might have been unpopular because of all the taxes, but at least he was able to restore order to Italy's public finances. Now, I guess, Berlusconi will thrive on this and will attribute this regained stability to himself, unless he spoils it before having time to realize...

What a shame, not to mention all the about-turns of Mr. Fini. Simply disgusting

Alessandra, Turin/London,

I think that in anglosaxon countries is always difficult understand the real opinion of the italian people. Probably this incapacity is determinated by the presence of many journalists in Rome, a capital without innovative tensions as Milan. So I suggest to maintain a corrispondent especially devote to the analysis of the people of the Northern part of the Peninsula. Do not forget that in Venitian area the Northern League obtained the votes of the 90 % of the industrial workers!!! This is something absolutely new in Italy, something that Veltroni in Rome not calculated.

paolo andrea natta, Milano, Italy

I would be ashamed to be Italian if the left-wing coalition won again this time. Hopefully most Italians proved to be wise and mature!

Raffaella, Milan, Italy

We did´nt hope to have such a good chance again. Never in the last 60 years so many goals have been achieved at the same time. A great opportunity for Italy. Only one doubt remains: will the Italians be able to stand with this oppotunity and find again the sense of the Nation ?

Claudio, Monza, Italy

Poor Italy! The mess is starting again.

Bianca, Cagliari, Italy

God help Italy,because you are going to need it,it will be all broken promise's as like in the past!!

Thank god my parents immigrated to Australia in the 60's for a better future for themselves & there children,right now,they feel like tearing up there italian passport!!

62 italian goverments in 63 yrs since the ending of World World II,what a farce,a country can't even govern there own country,why you should trust Berlusconi??
He'll be gone within 18 months or less,like previous elected prime ministers!!

Stephen, Sydney, Australia

Marco, I hope you're joking! Coold you belive in a man like this? He's a showman not a prime minister! He wants always and only his interests! Every newspaper in Europe mock him, only in Itlay someone can vote him and sign for the ruin of this country.
I only hope that his gouvernement lasts soon.

Elisa, Venice, Italy

The Italian have a government they deserve.
As far i am concerned i left Italy 45 years ago..........why i did not like the constant complaining and the politician they were OLD than and OLDER now the same soup, staleand older

Oswald, Vancouver Island, canada

I'm ashamed to be italian! We let win once more a person who dominate italian information (he owns 3 tv stations, controls many news papers, has one of the most italian football club) and has huge economical interests to preserve. Is it possible in a democratic country, that such a powerful person can make laws for himself and for his companies?
Besides this, our electoral law is sensationally unconstitutional, because we only can choose parties but not the people to elect!

Please help us!!!!

Luca, Fano (PU), Italy

I am with all the people that expressed serious concerns on Italy future and democracy. we are victims of people like Mic, Elisa and Teresa, who, scared of the communism, vote for a corrupted man who controls all the medias and in 5 years of government has only done something to pursuit his interests.

Cecilia , London,

It amazes me how the Italian laws, & the people of Italy, can elect a person who is immersed in corruption allegations, has vested interes in the media. As an Australian-Italian I feel great sorrow for Italy's demise as an economic force and essentially the laughing stock of the Western World. What Italy needs to primarii is to reform its political system (i.e. fewer political parties) and elect an autocrtaic leader who not only speaks of economic reform but has a blue print to implement those plans.

Thank God that my parents immigrated when they did for a better future for themselves and for their children.

Robert , Melbourne , Australia

Mr Richard Owen, you have written a strong article, but what you have said it's true. i'm ashamed italians have chosen again this man. a man who used his power only to get more money and to save himself from his trials. I agree with most of other commentators. it's a sad day for italy and for italians who love justice. we are likely to be criticized from most of foreing press, to be ridiculed again. what a sad day.

Marco Cerrano, Asti, Italy

It could be a dream: a new young person remind me a little jfk, no more extreme left on the road, the right way to became a normal and modern country. It became a nightmare.
It's going to be really difficult living here.
Hope a british invasion.

lorenzo, milan,

Simply...magnific!!! Now we can hope in a new strong Italy!!!
Silvio...please...don't dissapoint us!!! We are expecting that you'll do what you promised! I wish you a good "5 years work period".
The left party collapsed you...raise Italy!!!
Bye to everybody that is interested to Italy's affairs.

Simona, Genoa, Italy

Today is a great day. The power of Prodi is ended. Until January Italy was the country pf rubbish..now in the country of freedom!!

caravaggio, Nuoro, Italy

It's hard to decide to live abroad, far from your family, your friends, your culture, far from Brunello di Montalcino, from the real italian pizza made with tomatoes that really taste like tomatoes and with mozzarella that really IS mozzarella, far from the smell of rosmarin outside the house, and far from the beautiful sun shining during the whole summer... But the idea of going back to a Country whose citizens voted for Berlusconi, make all my nice memories crash in a second. Once, long ago, I was very happy and proud of being Italian. Now it's just shame.

Manuela, Oslo, Norway

today it is a real great day for Italy!!
unfortunately all the international press knows about the gossip, as ruthless as possible, and doesn't give instead a clear and complete view of all the good the centre-Right did in the past... Because at the end, my dears, in our coutry the prime minister is important, but he is not all the government!
we have a great alliance made by all the people of Centre-Right and Lega,people who cares about the security and order in Italy and who believe that this is the first step for a growth in every sector of our society. If we are able to resolve major basic problems like immigration, criminality and unemployement, all the other minor problem will be consequencely easier to tackle.
it is very eas mention all the gaffes and weak.points a person has, looking just at the bad things, but i really believe this is the man and this is the government that is able to give the streght and importance Italy deserves.

Paolo S, Ferrara , Italy

Great day for Italy? I hope you're kidding! For the next years we will have at the govenrment a man that just wants to make his own interests! Remember that he did special laws that permitted him to not go to jail! we will be governated by a man that has half Italy, a really great interest's conflict, he has TV&Newspapers, also a Bank... I think there is no freedom in Italy.. he can control all.. The end of Italian democracy.. A new Dictatorship I think.

Camilla, Milan, Italy

At last Silvio Berlusconi and his partners are back!
Italian voters understood the damage caused by Mr. Prodi and by the Left parties. The center-left coalition governed for last 20 months kept together by antagonism against Mr. Berlusconi, without much concern for the best good of Italy and its people.
The main crime committed by Prodi government has been the general trend to punish work, initiative, creativity and constructive efforts, while rewarding non productive and parasitic strata of population, including the privileged caste of polticians. Communist polticians (from the extreme left parties) have been the most harmful to the country and have been punished by voters, who quite properly kicked them out of Parliament.

Giorgio Gobbi, Milano, Italy

Let's hope the left learned the lesson and will do what it takes to not disappoint us all BRIGHT Italians that still believe in it.

It is only apparent-death for democracy. Let's hope it will revive!!!

Alessandra, Mantova, Italy

great day for italy today!!!!

Paolo S, Ferrara , Italy

Berlusconi’s victory – an unpresentable candidate in an abnormal country - Italy’s new prime candidate has benefited from an unacceptable conflict of interests, and an undemocratic electoral system. Following the release of the preliminary results of the Italian general elections on 14 April 2008, the centre-left candidate Walter Veltroni, announced to his supporters that he had telephone the victor Silvio Berlusconi to offer his congratulations ‘as is normal in western democracies’. However, there is nothing normal about Italian democracy, and Veltroni was being disingenuous in presenting the political system as such. In a normal Western democracy, Silvio Berlusconi would have been regarded as beyond the pale, un-presentable as a candidate to lead his country. If the strict letter of the law had been applied, he would have been considered un-presentable in Italy too, while the conduct of the electoral campaign and the nature of the electoral system introduced by ...(1)

Sergio Vittorio URISTANI, London, UK

I have no words to say we are in this man's hands again with
the norther legue really strong..reading the pdl programme I'm really scared for democracy..The best thing to do is leaving..
bye

mikela, siena, italy

Mr Berlusconi's victory is the result of a strong belief of the majority of Italians that the only leader able to take Italy out of the deep crisis is still Mr Berlusconi. There is a shared opinion that he didn't manage to accomplish this task in the first place because of a strong opposition inside the previous coalition.

I really hope that he will be able to maintain his promises. Failing to do so something catastrophic can happen.

Mic, London, UK

Dear Mr Owen
Based on what you wrote, Italians are all stupid to vote for Berlusconi. I think that you don't know exactly situation of italian Politic. And in particular you don't know Northern League, that isn't a separatist movement (so why you call Northern League as "Separatist Northern League"??), but is really near to people and know problems of citizens.
So, before givinig like a negligent judgement, take care to inform you about real political situation, because you are saying that more than 50% of Italian People are at the end of the time more then a little crazy!!

Sorry for my not so accurate english

Giorgio, Bergamo, Italy

I'm a disillusioned Italian lady, I live in Milan but I was lucky enough to live in the UK for some years! Right now....I cannot foresee a bright future for my country. But I'm quite satisfied with the result of this election. The former left-wing government has been the major cause of Italy's downfall. We're facing a high rate of unemployment, poverty, crime, economic recession ......people are just fed up and that's why many Italians ended up giving their vote to the Centre-Right coalition. There was NO other serious alternative.

Raffaella, Milan, Italy

C'mon guys and gals, stop whining. You are going to be better off with Mr. Berlusconi this time. But if you still want to run away from your beautiful country (what a shame!) lelt me know. I live in New York City but I rather move to Italy, especially the North... :) We can switch places but I cannot guarantee that you will be happy here either...
Cheer up!
Clodia - NYC

Nellie, New York, New Yori, USA

i think that at the moment Berlusconi can be better than left part.

Piero, Bari, Italy

um, right. now we just need bush to come back into the game and the whole world to go to hell.

Laura , London, London

A great day for Italy?? You must be kidding! Berlusconi is the last thing Italy needs these days. He was PM for 5 (!!) years, from 2001 to 2006, and what did he do? N-O-T-H-I-N-G useful, nothing good, he just tried to solve his personal (and his friends' too) troubles. It's 15 years berlusconi keeps on saying the same old things, the same jokes, the same rubbish (bla bla the communists, the communists and the communists again and bla bla...whoever does not agree with him is a commie by the way...).
I'm really depressed. If I could leave the country I'd do it tomorrow.
In the UK such a politician couldn't even exist.

Benna, Reggio Emilia, ITALY

it's really stranger..

Pancrazio, Potenza, Italy

What's my take on this? I don't know. Really I couldn't say anything. At least one thing's for sure: this will be the last time. May God help us!

Marcello, Palermo, Italia

i agree with linda. It's very sad, to me, to see in a so-called democratic country - member of the EU as well - that almost 10% of inhabitants support a separatist party.
I actually think we are the shame of europe; we aren't worth of belonging to it.
I trust we will experience another 5-year misgovernment, with several detrimental consequences on italian economics and social condition.
I would like as well, indeed, to see the better part of Italy to awake; I'm not that optimistic, though, seeing how many italians voted a party whose aim is to pursue indivdualistic purposes.

Hope this nightmare will end soon.

matteo, milan,

Help us! Please help us!

By poor italian girl

Giovanna, Milano,

I just have one dream, I wish to live in a normal country. Unfortunatly, I see Italy is far from being this country. What did we do to deserve such a faith?

Claudio, Napoli,

is this what we deserve to wake up? I hope it is. this is a very sad day for italy...

Matteo, trento, italy

THANKS Mr Berlusconi.

we will have a fantistic relationship with the British Government.

Alfonso, Milan, Italy

This is Italy... and these are Italians

Sirio, Legnago, Italy

economy in itay is a disaster, and now all the rest will be a disaster! i would like to jump on a plane but i can't leave my old mother

carla, lecce, italy

A hope for Italy, because for the first time in Italy two parties asked votes to govern the country but without the usual air of mortal challenge. The two parties want to respect each other, Veltroni made his congratulations to Berlusconi. The left wing had no man in parliament, the right extreme is out. I am happy because I voted Berlusconi. The People of Freedom has a large majority in parliament and in Senat. So, go on Italy! Great victory also for the success of Noth League and for the Pdl in Sicily and in other South regions. Forza Italia!

enrico, milan, italy

The Campania and Napoli have been left ruled left for 15 years, and we can see the result!
Last October Prodi’s government proposed recording and taxing blogs and free websites; Berlusconi introduced computers and English in primary schools as compulsory topic, on the contrary the left said that they were not so important....
Maybe Berlusconi is too reach, too vane, he often says silly things, but I think it is better than an incapable Prodi too linked to the past.
A huge amount of money has been sent to the south, money that mysteriously disappears into politician’s pockets, while people often live pretending a disability to get money (but there are also poor people that suffer for poverty).
The south of Italy is not poor, there are arts, landscapes, seas, environment, great climate for agricultures and tourism which a good organization could transform in wealth making Italy a great Country.
I hope that who is going to rule us will see all that!

Francesca Sansone, Lissone, Italy

The Left governed for two years, before of that Berlusconi was governing, if I am not wrong. Prodi made a lot of mistakes, but for sure he cannot be the main cause of the Italian disaster. None else in Europe has a Prime Minister who is owner of three TV Channels, a newspaper etc etc. When people minds are fed only from media, everything can happen to democracy.

Stefania, Milano, Italy

With no doubt, Berlusconi is a great affarist, but a nation is not a farm: the future of Italy is not only about economy. A new cultural perspective for a solidal society is needed, and I tihnk that Veltroni has given a new view-sight, more intelligent and serious then the one represented by the old fashioned "ship entertainer"...

Giovanni, Prato, Italy

Berlusconi will not disappoint the italians as a whole: Berlusconi will disappoint (as he already made) every bright italian. He abuse our pride, our capability, our work.
I'm so depressed.
everything is going worse and worse...

francesca, rome, italy

Mr Berlusconi don't had do nothing in 2004 , why I have to think that this time he will change something? Sorry England , and sorry world. After his shows as a "jester", such as the fact to broke the program of Mr Veltroni, or to eat the " italian mozzarella" to pretend to fell bad , or to say " i have smell of holiness", his winner not is a good thing for nobody. We go down again.

Matteo, Sant'Antioco, Italy

It's an italian tragedy. We are (again!) controlled by crime organizations like the sadly famous mafia.
I'm scared, I think we'll become like a third world's state.

Miriam, Bologna, Italy

Whoops! Berlusconi again. Not that the Democratic Party have a better reputation, they haven't had time. How is that a man charged on multiple occasions which criminal acts in his business affairs, never condemned but certainly charged, can even stand for election? Not in terms of permission to stand but as a matter of self esteem? If I had been charged but once with fraud, etc. I would be ashamed to appear in public life in any way.
No serious election manifesto, no detailed programme, increasing xenophoby, rising regional polarisation, poor employment law, no guarantees for young workers, high personal and business tax, high tax component in excessive fuel costs, inefficient local and national government, poor transport and infrastructures, healh services decent in the North.
I've lived here 24 years and I love it but it really is becoming very difficult.
Here's hoping (again).

Andy Carter, Milan, Italy

If Italy wants Berlusconi, then Italy deserve Berlusconi, and i have to find an other country... good luck!

andrea, Bologna,

Mr Berlusconi made gaffes but Prodi and Veltroni made enormous real concrete damages to Italy. I prefer gaffes rather than damages.

Tiziana, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Now that the dark side has struck back,we really need you European civilizated countries to bring peace and sense in our republic...Help us England,Spain,Germany(etc)...You are our Last hope...

piero, rome, italy

I don't know what cross them mind.

Eleonora, Bergamo, Italy

This was expected.
The Prodi government reduced deficit? Yes, but they also increased spending, severely increasing tax levels. At the end of the year almost everybody, poor or rich, noticed that their available income had shrunk. However, the increased spending did not provide us with infrastructures or solutions to our problems. The green/extreme left parties blocked the high-speed railroad to connect Italy and France, the rubbish incinerators in Campania, the bridge on the Strait of Messina. At the same time Prodi's government pardoned many criminals in order to free some space in the overcrowded prisons - and many of the pardoned criminals were soon arrested again, after committing robbery or even murder.
Moreover, many new regulations were introduced, some plainly stupid, which increased bureaucracy without any benefit for anyone.
The previous Berlusconi government was far from perfect, but after the comparison with Prodi, the choice was a no-brainer for many voters.

Filippo Riccio, Milano, Italy

It's a sad day for Italy, even more sad 'couse we were supposed to be aware of what mr. B. is.
Guess what: beeing' the owner of three of the seven main tv, while controlling two/tree of the remaining four, some newspapers and magazines can make a difference in a democracy.

Andrea, Italy, Italy

I don't know what cross them mind.. I hope that they are joking!

Eleonora, Bergamo, Italy

italy,my country, so sad. my people, why so blind??
the only change for us will only be worsening as i dont think mr belusconi is interested in our wealth but in his own's, as he always showed.
if the majority of my countrymates think that he is a good politician, well i'm ready to pack all my stuff and leave for another place.

rossella, milan, italy

Today, the worst day in italy. So sorry for the things will happen in our stupid land, hope all european country could understand. Not me.

lorenzo, milan,

I'm so tired of hearing about comunism and stuff like this....
Let's speak in a serious way, for a second: Italy has never really been under a left party, and was held by centre-left only two times! only two! within 1996 and 2001 and last 20 months! Now tell me, honestly: do you really believe all our problems came from "comunists"?
I don't think so.
I just hope foreign sountries will allow us to stay there....

Maria Antonietta, L'Aquila, Italia

This is a victory of the common sense. If you want something done in Italy and in the world you can only vote for the Right.

Well done to the Lega Nord, because the North is fed up to pay tax for the South! We work harder and we want to keep our money, nothing to do with racism, it's the economy!

... and the ice on the cake is the Communists are out!!!!!!!

Valerio, London,

The Italian policy is very strange and different from the european standard. Italians had to decide between two similar election programs; since the Prodi's governement lead the country to a deep recession it has been very easy for the People of Liberty to win this election. Berlusconi is not a saint for sure, but center-left had got the chance to govern and lose the opportunity. PS Don't forget naples rubbish crisis was generated by center-left govrenment!!

matteo, falconara, italy

Today's results are magnificent. We have finally got rid of the communists from parliament. For all those who, from abroad, criticise Berlusconi judging simply from what the press say or from their 10 day holiday here really do not know what they are talking about.
Focusing on Berlusconi's private jet or his so called sexist comments is petty as much as it is superficial. Unlike the English we have not been brain washed by ridiculous "political correctness" which has gone way too far.
We are tired of inefficient, tax raising and inept left wing goverments. We are tired of providing for Rome and everyone who scavenges from it.
It's time for a federal state, for the reduction of the public deficit and of the highest taxes in Europe.
We don't seek for approval nor do we want lessons on democracy from a country whose's prime minister hasn't even been elected.
Italy has made it's choice and the consequences will be judged in 5 years time when we will no doubt be better off than now.

Sebastian, Milano, Italia

today we have lost all hopes of becoming a respectable country.
berlusconi will lead italy to an age of recession and illegality, and the neonazi party known as lega nord will preach racist hatred and violence among our people, which is unacceptable in a civilised country.
one last word to the berlusconi fans teasing in the comments:
we are not leaving anywhere, we will resist to this fascist and mafious government.

mike, Florence (IT),

For over 40 years, Italy was governed by the Christian Democrats, who were the political wing of the Mafia. Good old "Don Silvio" is just a modernisation of that tradition.

Richard, Bexhill, UK

I can't belive it...i have no words...
Italians seems to be blind...Veltroni paid for Prodi's mistakes
I wonna go away from this country!

Giulio, Rome, Italy

This is a terrible day. I'm half greek but i've always been living in Italy - this is the time to move away from it, probably.
Right won with a racist party in the North (close to 25 % in Lombardia) and with mafia's support in the South (as ever).
Regional elections in Sicily went the same way: the former president was condamned for relationships with mafia, but today right won again; it's impossible for left to win in Sicily.
True left collapsed and it's out of parliament.
I can only say that Italians deserve their disaster.

Andrea A., Pisa, Italy

I voted Veltroni and against Berlusconi. The latter is unfit. However it is better to have a clear winner than no winner at all. Besides differences, all Italians need to work together to achieve what this country needs: reforms, meritocracy, lower taxes, a more flexible labour market, infrastructures, stability, less politics and politicians, more decisions and facts..Italy has resources and strenght, despite the image we often broadcast around the world... I am not sure that Berlusconi will make it. But I will be the first to celebrate if he will...

Giorgio Noce, Milan,

Welcome to a mafia government. Look at the sicilian results. They vote where they are told to!!

Rachel, calabria,

Today is one of the greatest day in the politics of Italy. The big change, the victory of Silvio and the very big presence of Lega Nord is one of the best thing ever happened since two years ago the comunists took the power. They ruined Italy and italians, they treated us like stupid people, Prodi call us "mad people". Fortunately the comunists do not have seats in our Parlament any more. Fortunately now we can count on a future without the oppression of illegal immigrates, the problem of gibberish in the south of Italy and we hope in a federal nation. I'm very happy for the results.

Marco, Venice, Italy

It's a bad day for our country today....but I think we can't complain on what has happened: Italy wanted Mr.Berlusconi and now is receiving the gift it ardently desired.
Mr. Berlusconi won't disappoint us? Mr. Mic, I presume you haven't had the chance to "appreciate" the great performances of our Former Prime Minister and now unfortunately New Prime Minister...yes, because he's always the same person!
We needed to turn over a new leaf....it could be the beginning of a new phase...but my people didn't agree.

Vincenzo, Altamura , Italy

with all the troubles in zimbabwe, burma and china it is easy to forget how close the third world really is.

dave, london,

Mr berlusconi comes back at the right moment into Italian political history. In a few months time the Italians will be able to make a real difference between beeing a country and being in the hands of the sefish personal interests of organized crime!

linda, rome, Italy

The point here is not that Berlusconi won but that his victory was only possible thanks to the Lega Nord. What a shame for him and for Italy overall!
However the Italy that is still proud to be called as such will be able to awake and send them home before they divide the country into two! I am positive!

linda, rome, Italy

Whatever Italy's future under Silvio, it will be better than under the already failed Prodi & co. Today, all the main communist parties failed to win a seat in parliament! I hope that this spells the end of communism and a new era of prosperity as Italy finally joins the rest of capitalist Europe!

Thank you Silvio... oh and goodbye to all the communists who have declared they are leaving Italy. Make sure its one way!

Harry, Tuscany, Italy

England,France,Germany excuse us pleas...... i can't believe to italian stupidity.. we have a mafious in the our government.....

davide, Treviso, Italia

I'm very sad and scared...I cannot believe it's being again for real. I think this time'll be dangerous. What should I do? I guess I'll move to another country in Europe 'couse I don't want to stay in Italy anymore! Do you remember Argentina and its fall? Italy could be the next country...and after that, what about its being a part of UE?What about the other countries?Europe should have community laws in order to protect democracy inside every single state,becouse now what goes wrong or right in the life of the states on theirself throw effects on the entire UE.

Danilo, Rome, Italy

finally!!!! Prodi has gone, Veltroni can't continue his false promises, Berlusconi will lower taxes, Campania is no longer 'Red' and Bassolino will be forced to leave!!!! A great day for Napoletans everywhere!!!!!

Teresa, Napoli,

I'm completely agree with Mic from London! today is a great day! Not only for Berlusconi but also for Lega nord! Maybe now we can to save us from the clandestines and to rise to us!!! after the image that we have given to the other countries of we....excused me for my English I know that it is not good but I wanted to say my opinion...

Elisa, Turin, Italy

If one at least of the great many of Italian newspapers would have been as clear as this about Berlusconi’s biography, he’d be playing now with his little volcanoes, using his money, and not ours.

Alessandro, Torino, Italy

Hope? For Italy? Ha, fat chance.
Oh well, time to start packing.

Marianna, Cosenza, Italy

Isn't the picture above here a bit ungenerous? A bit too much like those of another Italian chief of government of the last century?

Marco, Venice,

dear mic from london, I'm not proud to be Italian at the moment. you have to try to live here! i'm desperate....this is the end of democracy. come on ale, teresa and everardo...it's time to take a plane and fly away

laura, vicenza, italy

Well, it's official: Berlusconi won. Now I'm ready to abandon my beloved country (but such a wreck) and move to the Netherlands, where my boyfriend comes from. It's worthless even trying to build up a life in Italy, having a job, buying a house, I mean normal things that everybody in every other country does. Better to embrace a REALLY democratic and enlightened country like The Netherlands and go to Italy just for a vacation at the most. And I tell you this with pain in my mourning heart. But now it's inevitable and necessary.

Alessandra Nicoletti, Rome (now Rotterdam-NL), Italy

berlusconi go home. i'm not proud to be Italian at the moment

laura, vicenza, italy

My daughter graduated "cum lauda" five years ago. She has not yet got a permanent job, though she's working in the same place since five years based on repeated short-term contracts. Like most young people, the priority list is so composed: 1) job, 2) house, 3) own family and babies.
Actual situation: 1) a dream, 2) extremely expensive, 3) another dream. She's now 33. During his latest rally Mr Berlusconi said to a girl who had questioned him about the above three topics: "- You're pretty, you should marry a rich guy like my son.....". Unfortunately, Mr Berlusconi has got just ONE boy.......

Maria, modena, italy

Mr Berlusconi must be a brilliant man to be able to revive his place in Italian politics and overcome what many people believed to be his many obstacles. Regardless of his mistakes, I believe Mr Berlusconi has proven himself to be a worthy leader for Italy and an appropriate representative of the people.
"After all, we are not Communists."
Congratulations to Mr Berlusconi on a well-deserved win.

Giancolina, Caltavuturo, Sicilia

Berlusconi is the brainchild of Italy. We created him and we constantly feed his image with our thoughts, praises, and reminders of his outrageous exploits. We fully deserve him, and with him to go down once and for all as a country. That is the only way we will change, only then will his era be over.

Stefano, London, London

it's such an infaust day for our democracy... I'm not very proud to be italian today... i don't mean that the others will be better but i'm sure that a man who offends people such as borsellino,who represents the real legality of our country doesn't deserve to represent this wondefull country ( i still think that my italy is the "bel paese"), but it's hard to believe again!!!

rosa, roma, italia

Mic,
Berlusconi is going to be himself again:
we would need Churcill

Everardo:
if you do, just mind Alitalia's flights...

Ale:
recovering our financial disaster not as much as heralding our democratic collapse

Regards

giovanni delogu, Sassari, Italy

Well Carlo, Veltroni offered €600 a month to poorer families, so where was that coming from? Prodi offered €500 a month to every child and that was a lie.
INvestment in infrastructure can come from the private sector as it does in most other developed nations. THe problem with the Italians is that they have spent too much time under communism and are no longer in touch with the rest!

Sara, La Patria, Italy

During his campaign Berlusconi promised huge tax reductions to Italians and for what I see at the moment many have believed his words and where will he take the money to realize the promised changements such as fast-rail tracks ,bridge to Sicily ,nuclear powerplant production ? (and this is just a small part of his pharahonic programme) We will probably have the promised direct tax-rebate but ,i'm sure, we will pay bread,milk,meat,water,gas much , very much more . How long Berlusconi will govern ? No more that 1 year I hope. I dont want to say that Veltroni could be better but if the choice is between the two......

Carlo Alberto Rosi, Rome, Italy

the msot important thing is that the Italians recovers from their finacial disaster.

ale, rome,

Great day for Italy?5 more years with Berlusconi?What are you talking about Mic from London? If you are so happy why dont you come and live here?
I just wait the final results and if he wins i'll be ready to jump on a plane .
Regards to all of you

Everardo Martinez, Rome, Italy

It looks like a landslide victory over 10%. So much for the Veltroni come back!!

Teresa, Rome, Italy

A great day for Italy!
A big change for the better is happening. I'm sure that this time Berlusconi will not disappoint the italians as a whole.

Mic, london, UK