WHETHER THE great escape artist that is Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi (74) can do it again is the hot question in Italian politics right now.
He has survived challenges that would long ago have finished off most politicians. Allegations of bribery of tax inspectors and court judges, corruption investigations, accusations of Mafia collusion, revelations of “wild parties” with underage girls and an uncanny ability to say just about the most politically incorrect thing possible have thus far failed to put a halt to the prime minister’s gallop.
Could it be that something as banal as an internal party split and subsequent confidence vote will finally bring him down?
Mr Berlusconi and Italy prepare for a potentially decisive week against a typical background of street protest, corruption allegations and uncertainty. Mr Berlusconi tomorrow faces two crucial and highly uncertain votes – a no- confidence motion in the lower house and a confidence motion in the senate.
The confidence motions are the logical outcome of a summer and autumn of discontent marked by a internal rebellion from one of Mr Berlusconi’s oldest and heretofore most faithful allies, the speaker of the lower house, Gianfranco Fini, one-time leader of ex-fascist Alleanza Nazionale and co-founder with Mr Berlusconi of his Freedom Party.
Critics argue that Mr Fini is a political opportunist, keen to unseat the ageing Mr Berlusconi in the hope that he may replace him in government house.
Mr Fini’s supporters argue that the prime minister has gone far beyond the point of no return, through his total failure to govern and the shame he daily brings on Italy through his unorthodox, scandal-ridden lifestyle.
Mr Fini yesterday repeated an accusation long touted by opposition parties, suggesting in a TV interview that Mr Berlusconi’s only real interest in staying in power was to continue to avail of the “legitimate impediment” legislation (introduced by his government) which guarantees him immunity from prosecution while in office.
If that immunity were dropped, critics argue, Mr Berlusconi would face fraud and corruption charges in two current Milan-based trials.
Mr Fini and another opposition leader, Pierferdinando Casini of the Union of the Centre, have acknowledged that Mr Berlusconi may win both votes.