Silvio Berlusconi moved swiftly yesterday to form a government and start
tackling Italy’s pressing problems, after his sweeping victory in Monday’s
general election.
The 71-year-old media magnate faces a host of challenges from rescuing
Alitalia to clearing up the mountains of uncollected rubbish in Naples and
fulfilling an election promise of cracking down on illegal immigrants.
One of his first moves will be to unveil his Cabinet and it looked likely that
he would fulfil his promise to give at least four women cabinet posts.
Stefania Prestigiacomo, of his Forza Italia party, is thought to be in line to
become Minister for European Affairs while Mara Carfagna, a former model,
television presenter and Miss Italy contestant, has been mooted as a
possible Minister for the Family.
Other candidates are Giulia Bongiorno, a member of the former Prime Minister
Giulio Andreotti’s defence team in several Mafia-related trials, who may
become Justice Minister, and Rosi Mauro, of the Northern League, as Minister
for Welfare.
In his first post-election press conference yesterday, Mr Berlusconi appeared
relaxed and smiling, joking that Italians voted for him “because I am
young”, but he conceded: “The months and years ahead will be difficult”.
His priorities on forming a government — probably early next month — would
include resolving the rubbish crisis in Naples and the sale of the
near-bankrupt state airline Alitalia. He is expected to cut taxes, sell
public assets to reduce the deficit and free up labour markets.
He said he would eliminate ICI, an Italian property tax, at a cost of
¤billion, and would honour his promise to hold his first Cabinet meeting in
Naples.
“I’ve already found an office, and I’ll stay there three days a week until I’m
certain I’ve created the foundations for a permanent solution,” he told a
radio station.
His first foreign policy meeting is to be with President Putin — with whom he
formed a close relationship when he was last in power. They will meet at Mr
Berlusconi’s Sardinian villa tomorrow.
There were early concerns, however, that the new administration will be
beholden to the stridently antiimmigrant Northern League. The league, which
doubled its vote to more than 8 per cent, is expected to gain at least two
ministries — Interior and Reform. The league, founded in 1991 to promote
autonomy for northern Italy — which it calls Padania — brought down the 1994
Berlusconi Government, but served for a full five-year term as part of his
administration between 2001 and 2006.
Umberto Bossi, its unpredictable leader, may also be given high office, though
he had a severe stroke four years ago from which he is still recovering. Mr
Bossi once described African immigrants as “bingo bongos” and said illegal
immigrants arriving by boat should be “blown out of the water”. During the
election campaign he called on his supporters to “take up arms” against
“that rabble in Rome” over allegedly confusing ballot papers.
Yesterday Mr Bossi denied that Mr Berlusconi would be his “hostage”, telling
La Stampa: “He is my friend. We have an electoral pact, and we will honour
it”.
Mr Berlusconi attempted to deflect criticism by insisting there was no danger
in including Northern League ministers in his Cabinet, even if they
“sometimes use unfortunate language”. But it was clear that his right- wing
allies would strongly influence his policies: “One of the first things to do
is to close the frontiers and set up more camps to identify foreign citizens
who don’t have jobs and are forced into a life of crime,” he said.
In contrast to the success of the Right, the two communist parties and the
Greens, which stood as the “Rainbow Alliance”, failed to gain a single seat.
“Nearly 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall Communism is finally dead
in Italy,” Andrea Ronchi, a right-wing politician, said.
Together with the collapse of other small parties this ushers in a more
streamlined parliament of coherent rival blocs, with the twenty six parties
of the last legislature reduced to six. “Since the politicians failed to
implement a simpler and more stable system, the Italian people have done it
for them,” Professor Giovanni Sartori, an expert on electoral law, said.
“These elections revolutionise the national political geography” said
Massimo Giannini, of Rome University.
Women in power
Spain Has 9 women in a 17-strong Cabinet, including the Defence
Minister, Carme Chacón, who is seven months pregnant
Finland Also ruled by a female majority, with 12 of the 20 Cabinet
posts held by women
France President Sarkozy fulfilled an election pledge by appointing 7
women to his 15-strong cabinet
Britain? David Cameron has pledged to give a third of the jobs in his
first government to women
Source: Times archives
I'm very happy that, finally, Italy has understood that Mr Berlusconi, despite all boring, yes, very boring comments about him , can be the man able to save this country. He has a hard work to do with his staff : let him work. And people that want to emigrate because now he has been voted..pls..go!!
Daniela Vercelli, Genoa, ITALY
"It's about time somebody actually cared about "ordinary families, workers and small enterprises"
Michael you get the point... here in the north there are lots of industrial municipalities (with small enterprises) in which Northern League got more than 40% while the communist-workers-extreme-left got 0,5%...
here's the division that many still don't understand
LEFT=big enterprises AND their workers
RIGHT=small enterprises AND their workers (which understand that if their enterprise is going well, they are too)
michele, verona, italy
Every country has the government it deserves.
Joseph de Maistre
Giuseppe, Bari, Italy
First time I cried for my country.
Maria, mantova, italy
The more european papers insult Mr . Berlusconi the more I admire him.He is the savior of my country .Maybe now the other countries of Europe will fallow us and take back their countries, and get rid of the communist .proud to have voted for Berlusconi in the U.S.A.
carlo vaniglia, chicago, usa
To Matteo who voted for Mr.Berlusconi...
Don't forget that the "North" has taken advantage of the situation in the "South" for dumping their rubbish there, at a very low price (instead of properly disposing it). Probably what is buried in Campania is not from Campania at all!
Then, you have your own firm... So what do you think of a person who promotes clientelism, who pushes for balance falsification instead of correctness and transparency in business, and that for him business is made by means of corruption (Mondadori docet) instead of hard-work?
Of course, if you are willing to pursue his teachings I can understand why you voted for him. But remember, you are not Berlusconi, and the Italian people like you will pay dear this wicked choice. It's only a question of time.
Fabio M., Paris,
What a great day it is to be Italian. Italians are the only ones who see whats happening to europe and did something about it, by throwing out the enemy of all patriots . the communist. my next hope for Italy is to get out of the E.U. then we would be Italy again. w BERLUSCONI. Proud to have voted for BERLUSCONI from the U.S.A.
carlo vaniglia, chicago, usa
Really a sad situation... It couldn't be worse.
Berlusconi's previous government was the worst in Italy history, defending illegality against legality.
Our bad economical situation is due to him.
He has won because he controls the totality of the tv networks, and I don't know why the last government did nothing to increase the freedom of the press.
I don't know what I have to hope for myself: expatriation or invasion by some charitable foreign country? :D
I have just to hope the he will rule Italy better than in previous occasions. But, maybe, this is a false hope.
Manuele, Udine, Italy
I'm 30 yrs old and I live in Verona, Romeo&Juliet's City. I'm in the North-East, in a Region that works and (tries) to produce wellness and that makes the money go round. Since I was born there has always been a "Southern-problem" with problems like infrastructures, money, high unemployment rate, low-growth. And now this "Rubbish-case" that makes the whole world laugh at Italy. It's a shame. So the northern electors decided to vote for a Party like the "Lega Nord" in reason to hope to see their (our) problem solved.
I did vote for Berlusconi. I don't like him, he's borious, arrogant and not funny. But he's a great manager and every manager shouold take a look to what he has achieved in his life. I'm a young manager, with my own firm, and I CANNOT STAND to see my taxes spent every year to solve problems for the South. Regions like Trentino-Alto Adige work in perfect autonomy and they do not have any rubbish troubles, if you need something you go to the office and you get what you need.
MATTEO, Verona, Italy
everyone in this world would agree about the bureaucracy, but the "unbearable criminality"? do i share the same ground mr. petrussa walks upon? everyone sees what he wants to see. what a lot of italians feel like a dangerous shift is the fear towards anything (immigrants, europe, liberism, ... communism?!) that the new government waves as a flag. closing any border would lead to an inevitable decline.
in the end, it's all populism. how could the Lega be reliable when shouting against rome, while staying IN rome since years?
mauro, udine, italy
Too sad!..We will pay a high price for all this.Our reliability in the rest of the democratic world! What a shame,I am afraid we can only sit and watch at the ruin.
Hoping the world press and media will keep an eye on us.
Rita, Genoa, Liguria Italy
During previous Berlusconi's cabinet "fredoom of speech was only allowed if you spoke well of the Governement " says Flinders, from Australia, and calls for a coup d'etat.
Many Italians are astonished about this sort of comments from people living abroad. The vast majority of the italian so-called independent press (Corriere, Stampa, Repubblica) and almost the whole state-owned radio and TV (paid by every Italians) has alvays supported the left.
Favouritism and recommedations: this is the norm in the Regioni ruled by the left.
Finally, nobody seems (neither is willing?) to understand the serious reasons (unbearable criminality, crazy environmentalism, suffocating burocracy) that justify the Lega success in Northern Italy.
Iginio Petrussa, Latisana UD, Italy
If the Northern League enter the government then I will cancel my holiday to Italy and will not purchase a single item of Italian origin until the present government stands down. On past form, that should be in about 12 months time.
Sam, Glasgow,
I'm so fed up with people judging all those terrible racists voting against increased immigration. Where were you when Putnam - a Harvard professor and staunch liberal - came out with his landmark study on the corrosive effects of ethnic diversity on society? (Google +Putnam +diversity) Here's a quote:
"In the presence of diversity, we hunker down. We act like turtles. The effect of diversity is worse than had been imagined. And it’s not just that we don’t trust people who are not like us. In diverse communities, we don’t trust people who do look like us.†'
THAT'S what Italy needs-- distrust of the sort only ethnic and racial diversity can bring! Seriously, multiculturalism is like communism: a nice sounding ideology that flies in the face of human nature when put into practice.
The US, my country of birth, is far down the road to Balkanization and decline in its pursuit of diversity. Will you people at least NOT destroy Italy, my ancestral home? Please? I'm serious.
Marc, Alexandria, VA, USA
The italian population who voted for Berlusconi forgot that he was in power for five years prior Prodi and he the source of many problems that exists today. The economy has been going down the drain since Berlusconi went to power in 2001. Laws have been created to suit himself and his friends.
Fredoom of speech was only allowed if you spoke well of the Governement etc.
Many people vote for him so he can maintain the system of "favouritism and recommandations" that is the framework of italian life. My poor old country is going down the drain.
For argument sake only, please, can someone arrange for a coup d'etat and install someone who actual care?
Flinders, Australia,
Dear mr Owen,
I understand you don't like mr Berlusconi at all,fine,it's your personal feeling and you are entitled to it,as the majority of
the Italian people is entitled to feel the opposite.
Italians showed for first time with facts,not words as usual,they
are fed up with rising street crimes,stormy coalitions,ungovernability and chhose a bit more of law n order
sustainable immigration,accountable governability.
As far as "legal problems n conflict of interests" even mr Veltroni understood they are not working n did not use them
attilio, sassuolo, italy
I left my beloved town napoli in 1975 and made my life in England. I have never looked back and i am very proud of what I have achieved but I never forget where my roots lie. I had to leave my country because there were a few jobs for young peole like me at that time and nothing has changed since.
No jobs! More crime! More scandals: Napoli submerged in rubbish and their lttle tourism industry destroyed for good.
I have always been against any conservative approaches but looking at my country from outside i can only see that perhaps some new ideology could bring some sense, transparancy and pride in all us italians.
giuseppe gemma, london, uk
Berlusconi´s the real shame of Italy...i´m sorry for my country
Fabrizio from Berlin
Fabrizio, Berlin, Germany
I am an Italian student who is currently taking a Ph.D. in the US. I moved away from Italy because too many things were just not working. Prodi's government was the worst one in the history of Italy.
Even though I could not vote for this election, I'm overly glad to see that Berlusconi won and, most importantly, that very few parties are now represented in both Chambers. This is a huge improvement for Italian politics and one of the main reasons for which everything was so difficult for any government, being hostage of very small parties.
I think that this government is strong enough to last a full term and significantly improve the life of every Italian citizen.
Congratulations to Mr Berlusconi, who made it against all critics and certain journals who compared it to the devil itself.
Simone Franzini, Chicago, USA
AS globalisation takes hold and nations no longer have the spare money to hand out in benefits to immigrants (in change of votes), this goody goody attitude to immigration will go full circle.
Immigration in Italy has brought no benefits. Instead we now have increased crime, and situations such as women no longer being able to walk their dog without it being snatched and held to ransom! We have to decide if we want to continue having a safe quality of life, or have mass-immigration. Sadly, these two phenomenon do not seem to live side by side.
Sarah, Milan, italy
For the third time we have to deal with Berlusconi's government: the number of personal law will increase, the ill information will grow, public debt is bound to go up to the stars, and my envy for countries like yours will be always greater. Many of the things I read in this article will never be published by important papers like "Corriere della Sera" or "La Repubblica", and we will never hear them on the public television (Why do they call it this way yet?). Free information has disappeared from my country and Berlusconi is the utmost responsible.
Giovanni, Milano, Italy
I voted for Veltroni, but I'm very conscious that berlusconi would win these elections. Italians have a very short political memory, and they don't remember what Mr Berlusconi made in the 5 years when he was president of the italian government. I'm attending at the faculty of Political Sciences in Rome, and I used to study Political matters. But the common people in Italy don't understand what disaster he made at the italian finance.
I'd like to make the people understand what is better for ourself. But Italians are a very static people, and this will be very difficult...
Bye
Debora Capalbo, Cosenza, Italy
Alessandra from Lombardy, has made some comments which I would like to reply to.
You have been supporting Veltronis Democrats since the party was founded. As far as I know, this party was formed not so long ago as Veltroni was the Mayor of Rome. As I live in Rome I can say that he did nothing to improve the problems whilst he was in power and when you say that we are a nation of simple minds, then I presume that you are referring to yourself.
Diana, Rome,
I don't believe it, I don't believe it.
I would ask to all his voters: WHY?! I think that the 80% of them can't answer me.
Valentina, Milano,
I'm italian (26), with a master's degree. And now I have to move away from here. This country is no more a civil country: no free information, no job, no money, no opportunity, no more happiness. I'm seriously thinking about move in Spain.
Marco, Roma, Italy
I voted for the right wing party and I agree that the Italian borders should be controlled and Italy should take hold of the problem of illegal immigration. The left wing government had every opportunity to improve the situation whilst in Government but they didn't. The Right wing party I hope will fight to ensure that Italy rids the nation of these illegals who sell drugs, are involved in prostitution, sell fake bags (go to Pisa,Venice or any other city in Italy) and the gypsies that create shanty districts around our cities and send their children out to beg and steal.
For those who are ashamed of this new government should be ashamed of the last government which lasted less than 18 months and released convicts from prison when they came into power.
Diana, Rome, Italy
"Berlusconi is the best politician in europe. He is the leader of our country and nobody should speak ill of him." daniele, naples, italy
Obviously, Daniele has not read any of the sentences involving Mr. Berlusconi or his cronies such as Previti or Dell'Utri. I presume he also thinks Giulio Andreotti was found not guilty. Andreotti was found guilty of mafia association up until the spring of 1980. However, due to the statute of limitations (prescrizione) [which Berlsuconi further reduced during his last term] he could not be sentenced. Please read the sentences and listen to the wiretaps.
Ronan, Dublin/Turin, Ireland/Italy
Please, Mara Carfagno as Minister is an insult toward democracy and cleverness. My cat would be a better Minister. No, I'm joking... I have no cats...
Claudio, Napoli,
Berlusconi is the best politician in europe. He is the leader of our country and nobody should speak ill of him.
daniele, naples, italy
Northern League and other far right groups rule Italy again. That country needs to come to terms with its fascist and racist past and present.
Timur, London,
Today is a great day for our country. Berlusconi is the best. We're a democracy and the italian people has a desire of Berlusconi president! If someone doesn't accept that, he can go away from this beautiful country!
Fabrizio, Perugia, Italy
North League and Berlusconi have won the election because they have been good at deceiving Italians making promises that they will never keep. Italians are very strange people, they like to be under the illusion in spite of the fact Berlusconi and North League had already governed from 2001 to 2006 in disgusting way. Fortunately I am going to leave Italy for 2 years. Good Luck!
Alessandro, Rome, Italy
today is a sad day for Italy, i think the worst day since the republic exist
i only hope theese election aren't the last ones
italians don't love freedom and democracy, they only admire the "strong man", even if he is a dictator
italy is finally lost
Luca Zerbinati, Mantova, Italy
Italy has been said to be the most corrupt country in Europe with the weakest economy.What exactly is Silvio going to do? Show everyone how to make a fortune as he did. There are not enough prisons to do that. Italy is a country populated with dinasours. A beautiful but useless country.
David, London, UK
You know, I am really sorry.. I really can't understand why so many people decided to vote AGAIN for these parties... I can't believe it and I am waiting somebody start to moan about this Gov ern. to say "It was up to you too"
lucia, Venice, Italy
So why don't we have a decent party like the Northern League here in the UK? extremists? I don't think so -just say what every person thinks except journalists in the Times, Guardian and politicos. Mmmh the comment about EU officials is spot on!
Emily W, cambridge,
It's funny that a briton journalist writes this piece of news, stressing on how Lega is against immigration. Well, dear fellow, first have Schengen treaty signed up in your country, see how crimes double up, notice how leftish government passes a law that erases anyone's crime, then experience your relatives or close friends suffering from thefts and violence whit your government doing simply nothing. Well, my dear, after that you'll probably look for a protest vote. Well, that's why Lega Nord got 8%. As easy as it gets.
Cheers from Italy
Dein, Trevisto,
I believe that in the present difficult economical situation Italy needs stability and competence and a strong majority like that generated by the votes of more than 80% of Italians should help.
I wouldn't worry about increase of racism, rudeness and ignorance as in the past 5 years of previous ruling of Mr Berlusconi and his allies (the same as now) it did not happen.
I also believe that fascism and communism should eventually be forgotten and replaced by a more comfortable contest between a liberal and a democratic party, and this is what is hopefully happening.
thanks
Luciano, Genova (Italy)
luciano trestini, genova, italy
THe left has been encouraging immigrants to risk their lives by boat since1991 without seriously intervening. So many die, that body parts are regularly fished out by fishermen. Bossi's idea of blowing them out of the water would at least deter the next lot of illegals and therefore save lives long term.
Italy alredy has high unemployment and a fragile economy and simply cannot cope with mass-immigration. We all understand that Europe wants to bastardise the continent, but in countries like this one, there will be a civil war first.
Massimo, Treviso, italy
At least Silvio is funny.
So the rest of the world could have a bit of relief watching european news loghing sometimes.
Italy is starting to be used not to be ashamed.
We, Italians, survived to centuries of tyrannies, couple of empires, wars, Silvio will just slower the process of the civilization of the Country, he's quite harmless.
People cannot think to mid-terms , cannot understan investments in the future, Silvio is a ready-to-use painkiller for consciousness.
A smailing one.
Quite old, though.
Nobody at the moment has the same mediatic power, I'm pretty confident for the next future.
Italy has the Government we deserves, sad but's it.
We 'll survive, though.
Luca, Padua, Italy
I'm very disgusted by Berlusconi populism and let me to say also of the stupidity of Italian peoples that voted him.... I will be in "esilio" for another 5 years!!!
Salvio, Paris,
I cannot beleive that the Berlusconi hate campaign has had such an impact on small minded left wing voters! I think that th eTimes newspaper should also change its stance on the democratically elected prime minister of Italy. Ifind their articles bias, incorrect and offensive.
Matt, Naples, italy
I would like to make two points:
First: People like to say that Berlusconi is not good. But remember, Prodi was far worse.
Second: here in France there are too many people from the Maghreb and Black Africa who have no respect for France, be it from spitting in the street ( a common sight) to committing crime (just visit any court in France and you will see mainly black/Arab persons in the box) to signing up for social security (once again, just go to any Unemployment Center and you will see this). I don't see what is shameful about Italy voters saying what a lot of people in Europe think.
Sarah Gore, Paris, France
Caterina is obviously ignorant of the facts. Italians were emigrants but not illegally. They were also emigrating to cultures that were similar to their own and did not, for example, arrive in Arab states complaining about their muslim way of life or religious symbols.
Matt, Naples, italy
I am an Italian girl and live in Italy in Viareggio near Pisa.
I am sorry, indeed , for Berlusconi's, victory.
Italy did not understand ...
He won racism, anger and ignorance.
He won the arrogance and rudeness
What Bitterness!
Sorry for my english
marie, Viareggio, Italia
Dear UK, wait for me please...
I'd rather to emigrate than to accept 5 years of Berlusconi's dictatorship :(
Ale Spuci, MI, Italy
Dear mr. Owen,
please, let me do a question: do you really think that the immigrates will have more troubles than now in Italy ?
Be sure that the regular immigrates that will came here for working will have very good perspectives.
Be sure that the irregular immigrates that came here for committing crimes will not have the same impunity that have now.
Be sure that Italian people (not padanian) will have better safety than now.
Another question, please: why do you right post fascist for the party of Ignazio La Russa and you don' t right post comunist about Walter Veltroni ?
Thank you.
Corry - Bologna Italy
Corry , Bologna, Italy
People who vote Lega Nord often forget to say that many many immigrants DON'T sit all day long on the benches and scare out children and women. Actually many of them work for the small enterprises that vote for "blown out of water" the "Bingo Bongos".It's a shame for our country to be know all over Europe for such a party.
Valentina , Siena, Italy
I 'm an italian student. I feel terribly ashamed for what's happening in my country!I ve so many muslim friends..I can't bear to be represented by these politicians... they pretend to be politicians..POOR ITALY! I We have been immigrants in the past and now we are slaves of prejudges!
VIVA LA LIBERTA' !
Caterina, Pescara, Italy
What this floored article fails to mention is that the Lega Nord is one of the only parties that actively helps poorer people in their home nations. This is therefore not the sign of a rascist party, but one that wants to retain what is a beautiful Italain culture. If this concept is seen as rascist or extreme then I am proud to be rascist too!
Matt, Naples, italy
What a disaster! I don't want fascist in Italy again. Never! Help us!
However, I'm already sorry for what berlusconi will say in futur...don't listen to him and don't consider us like him....
Tom, Turin, Italy
shame...i'm so scared....it's like Missisippi Burnin'....
god bless us
raffaele, roma, italy
Gio' , London
A likely outcome and danger for Italy now is the possibility it might eventually be pulled out of the Euro zone. Too much dept and no substance.
Imagine that! Scary thought.
Gio, London, UK
All I can say is that we finally managed to get rid of the Left, and that can only mean a good thing for Europe and for my Italy.
Long live Berlusconi that has saved us from the squandering and incompetance of a political cast voted only to keep their own interest, not that of Italy.
Long live Fini whom with is hindsight has taken the Right to be recognised as a Moderate and propositive political force and no skeletons.
Long live Bossi, whom has managed to break a political system that was devoted only to protect the interest of the few and used the South of Italy as Feud and a playground for the last 60 years.
A proud Italian
Mario, London, England
I live in the central part of Italy and, thanks God, our local administrations are all in the hands of the left party, which is still very strong! There must be one reason why Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna have always had the highest quality of life!
I wonder if all the people living in the South of Italy that voted for Berlusconi know that very few years ago his "mate" Bossi wanted to literally cut Italy in two parts and abandon them to their own destiny. Also, the victory of the League is a double-edged weapon also for the Northern part of Italy...if all the immigrants will be sent home who is going to work in the millions of entrerprises that made them rich? Who is going to do the kind of jobs that Italians are not doing anymore? Are the going to leave their comfortable and warm offices to go back and work as farmer, builder, worker for the elderlies?????
Elisabetta, Firenze,
nice spin here. So at least SOME people in Europe want to stand up for the fact that there is a unique European identity. Why does the times need to put the words Christian identity in quotations as if this is some radical notion?
As an American of European descent it truly saddens me to see that most Europeans seem not to care that they are letting the bastion of Western civilization be overrun by Muslim immigrants. Does anyone care that Sharia is becoming acceptable in England? That France will be a majority Muslim country in 30 years? That filmmakers in Holland are being murdered for exposing Islam?
Once one country decides to put only EIGHT percent of a " stridently anti-immigrant" party into parliament the Times has to sound an alarm like this is the second coming of Mussolini. I admit I really don't know much about the internal politics of Italy, but can we get some people in Europe to declare that European civilization is a treasure to be preserved?
Brad, Washington, USA
I would not say that Northern League is anti-immigrants party.
It simply says that a modern country needs rules, so that no one should be welcome unless he holds a visa and a job. It is maybe not politically correct but it is time to say that we have too many illegal foreigners in our towns and it is time to face this problem.
I am happy for the result of the elections and confident for the future of the country: we need deep reforms now.
Eugenio, Genoa, Italy
Another thing, what you wrote about Gentilini in Treviso is WRONG.
Gentilini got rid of the benches because locals complained about that lots of people were sitting in the benches abusing passer-by (especially women). Now, MOST of these people behaving badly were immigrants, sorry but true, can we say that PC people, can we? For once please
The Treviso people agreed with Gentilini and thanks to him Treviso is a wonderful city. The Northern League works, PC people just like to look good. Good yes, but useless.
Valerio, London,
Well done Silvio and Italy - one in the eye for the po-faced (especially german) Social Democrats who would turn us all into boring Swedes. Why the double standard - 'fears over far right' but no problem with Veltronii's utterly failed philosophy of far left Communism and its legacy of mass murder and oppression.
Alan, Glasgow,
Alessandra, you sed EXACTLY what I think! I can't believe it, It will get worse and worse... five years? I'm scared about it.
Alice, Modena, Italy,
Alessandra said EXACLY what I think. Five years? I'm so scared about it, it's a long time to get worse and worse and worse....
Alice, Modena, Italy,
I'm an Italian citizen, and I live in the north, close to Bergamo.
I didn't vote for Mr Bossi (as my family, actually), but I can honestly say that in the north of Italy, especially in our province, we clearly say out loud what we think, even if it could seem awful or unpolite...We are sick of the situation going on here, for example, you can't have a walk without meeting illegal immigrants trying to sell drugs outside school in the afternoon, not to talk about getting out in the evening...we aren't safe anymore.
And yes, in the north we work hard, and we would like the south to play his part. We need to know that we're not the ones who row on this boat.
That's why Bossi had so many votes: because he's one of us, after all, and he doesn't hide behind political language, he expresses (even if in a very bad way) the needs of northern Italy...
Erika, Albano S.Alessandro, Italy
I am ashamed! Italian citizens have just signed Italy's ruin. Five years of "endless clowning" are ahead of us. Mafia will spread. People will stop paying taxes. Our economy will worsen. These are the values of Italians: dishonesty, illegality, personal interest. They deserve a premier like him.
maria veneri, mantova, italy
Italians are lucky to have groups like the northern league standing up for their identity. Walk down Oxford St in London, and most of the people you pass will be of foreign origin with no affinity for our culture or history.
Tom , London, Great Britain
We need a party like Lega Nord (perhaps The Southern League?) in this country, too. It's about time somebody actually cared about "ordinary families, workers and small enterprises".
Michael, London,
speechless
it's a farce, a new show is being put up at the nation's expenses
Salvo, Torino, Italia
I'm from northern Italy and I've been supporting Veltroni's Democrats since the party was founded. Today a new political season starts for Italy: it's the first time we have only SIX parties in our Parliament, instead of the former billions of little groups, which gained just a great confusion, passing from a wing to another. But...
I can't be glad, seeing Berlusconi with his hypocrite smile telling us that there will be taxes no more, that finally immigrants will be resent back ant that the right coalition will last for five years. "Five years" it's a long long time. He will fight for his personal interests.His tv networks. His money.
I think the real question we might answer is: why the Northern League?Today for us the walk of shame begins. Shame towards a modern Europe, because France,Germany or any other European Country could never refer to an African immigrant as a "Bingo bongo".Shame on us, for being a nation of simple minds who can't see anything else eccept our back-yard.
Alessandra, Lombardy, Italy