Silvio Berlusconi

European Union rotating President, Prime Minister Berlusconi causes embarrassment
The E.U. Presidency which is held by rotation every six months is presently held by the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. At the beginning of his presidential term, Berlusconi has created a serious diplomatic crisis with Germany, one of the most powerful member states of E.U.

Italy: Silvio Berlusconi Puts Troops on Patrol in Rome
Law and order pledge fulfilled by deployment of 3,000 soldiers in high-profile campaign

Insist on Italian, Says Berlusconi
PM tells his ministers to boycott EU meetings if there is no documentation available in Italian

Rightwingers and Ex-model in Italian Cabinet
Silvio Berlusconi's new cabinet will only have four female ministers, including a former topless model

The Great Contender
Silvio Berlusconi's age is his biggest handicap in the Italian elections. But he has advantages that more than compensate

Berlusconi to Step Down As Milan President
Silvio Berlusconi will leave the Rossoneri when he begins his third spell as prime minister of Italy next month

Berlusconi Seeks to Woo Anti-immigrant Party
Berlusconi vows lower taxes, more police and special new camps for the identification of jobless foreigners

Berlusconi Election Victory Could Ensure Italian Future for Airline
Government and unions at Alitalia deadlocked over plans to sell airline to Air France/KLM

Berlusconi Sweeps Back to Power As Left Concedes Defeat in Italian Elections
Government likely to be most rightwing in 14 years and will include 'post-facists' but no moderates

The Ups and Downs of a Rightwinger From Left Field
Summary of Berlusconi's political career following his return to power in Italian elections

Berlusconi Election Victory Could Decide Alitalia's Fate
The future of Italy's flag-carrier, Alitalia, could become clearer if, as expected, Silvio Berlusconi becomes prime minister

Berlusconi's Opponent Concedes in Italian Election
Italy's center-left leader, Walter Veltroni, tonight conceded defeat to Silvio Berlusconi in the country's elections

Berlusconi's Return in the Hands of Rome As Italians Go to the Polls
After a string of violent murders in the city last year, many blame Berlusconi's rival, Rome's former mayor, for failing to tackle crime

Sign of Election Gap Closing As Berlusconi Scores Own Goal
Walter Veltroni launches last-minute campaign amid signs he might be closing in on Berlusconi

Third Time Unlucky
Leader: Perhaps Berlusconi appeals more to Italians than any number of competent economists. He is the devil they know

Berlusconi Pleads for Big Election Majority
Polls indicate media mogul is on the brink of a remarkable comeback, two years after being edged from power

Politics of Fear: Northern League May Become Thorn in Side of Berlusconi
Party that plays on crime and immigration could help to shape new government

The Great Contender
Silvio Berlusconi's age is his biggest handicap in the Italian elections. But he has advantages that more than compensate

PC and Nearly Gaffe-free: the New Berlusconi
Former PM Silvio Berlusconi repackages himself as elder statesman in Italian election campaign

Back on the Trail for the Italian Job
Ed Vulliamy: Former Prime Minister and media mogul Silvio Berlusconi is energetically orchestrating his political comeback after the collapse of the current regime. No stranger to scandal, the charismatic and eccentric billionaire is still a strong contender

Berlusconi Poised for Comeback in General Election
Polls predict landslide victory for media tycoon · Opponent unites Catholics and communists

Berlusconi Reborn
Leader: The collapse of Romano Prodi's centre-left coalition ... could herald the return of one of Italy's most scandal-ridden prime ministers, Silvio Berlusconi - an awful prospect

Italian Pm Resigns
Italian prime minister, Romano Prodi, has resigned tonight, clearing the way for Silvio Berlusconi to bid once more to govern Italy

Berlusconi Plans Broader Party
Silvio Berlusconi last night surprised political friends and foes alike by announcing he was dissolving Forza Italia!, the party he has led for the past 14 years, to replace it with a new - hopefully broader -movement that he intends calling the Italian People of Freedoms party

The Forza Be With You
A beauty queen, then a TV reporter and steel magnate, now Michela Brambilla is Silvio Berlusconi's latest ally and the new face of rightwing Italy. John Hooper meets 'la Rossa'.

Berlusconi Keen to Found Party With Ex-beauty Queen, Says Media
Silvio Berlusconi is reportedly planning to found a new political movement with which to wrest back power in Italy.

Berlusconi 'planning New Political Party'
Silvio Berlusconi is reportedly planning to found a new political movement with which to wrest back power in Italy.

A Girl on Each Knee - Paparazzi Pictures Make Berlusconi Sweat
Silvio Berlusconi's famously stormy marriage looked as though it was heading back into choppy waters.

Scusi is the Hardest Word: Berlusconi's Wife Forces Him Into a Public Apology
Propositioning of women starts public row in media - Former PM begs for mercy after 'thoughtless quips'

Don't Write Off Berlusconi Just Yet
Questionable physical and legal health is unlikely to stifle the political ambitions of Italy's former leader, writes John Hooper.

Berlusconi Collapses at Political Rally
Ex-PM taken to hospital with heart irregularity - Hopes of running in next general election fade

Berlusconi Trial Overshadowed By Speculation About His Future
Amid fevered speculation over his political future, Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi went on trial today alongside David Mills, the estranged husband of the culture secretary, Tessa Jowell.

Mills and Berlusconi to Face Bribery Charges
David Mills, the estranged husband of the culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, has been ordered to stand trial in Italy alongside the country's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, a lawyer for Mr Berlusconi has said.

Berlusconi and Mills to Face Trial
The former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi was ordered today to stand trial following an investigation into alleged fraud in purchases of movie and television rights involving his media company Mediaset, Italian news agencies reported.

Third Defeat for the Right Leaves Berlusconi's Future Looking Bleak
Silvio Berlusconi's future as leader of the Italian right looked bleak yesterday after he suffered his third big political defeat in as many months.

Italian Judge Backs 'buffoon' Attack on Berlusconi
Italy's highest appeals court has ruled that calling the former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi a "buffoon" can be actively useful for society.

Anti-corruption Prosecutors in Spain Target Berlusconi
Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is being targeted by anti-corruption prosecutors in Spain just two weeks after losing his right to immunity from prosecution.

Berlusconi and Rivals in Deadlock Over Presidential Candidate
The first round of voting for Italy's new president ended in failure last night after Silvio Berlusconi and his allies ruled out a compromise candidate put forward by the centre-left, the veteran former minister Giorgio Napolitano.

Berlusconi Resigns
Silvio Berlusconi today resigned as Italian prime minister four weeks after losing the country's general election to a centre-left coalition.

Berlusconi Allies to Insist on Choosing President
Silvio Berlusconi threatened at the weekend to resort to extra-parliamentary tactics to stop the centre-left from monopolising power in Italy following its hair's breadth victory in last month's election.

Beelzebub of Italian Politics Holds Key to Prodi's Future
· Senate move by Andreotti could force new election · Blow to centre-left would give hope to Berlusconi

Berlusconi Silent After Prodi Declared Italian Election Victor
· Appeal court confirms win for centre-left coalition · New legal challenge rejected within hours

Contested Ballots Deal New Blow to Berlusconi
Silvio Berlusconi's hopes of overturning the Italian election result were dealt a blow as it emerged the number of contested ballot papers was far lower than originally thought.

Italy's Knife-edge Election Results Are a Symptom of This Age of Stalemate
As in Germany and France, Italian voters were denied a clear alternative to the rightwing agenda of Silvio Berlusconi. By Jonathan Freedland

Berlusconi Refuses to Concede and Demands Recount
Prime minister accuses centre-left of being 'absolutely irresponsible' and calls for grand coalition to rule country.

Prodi Victorious in Italian Poll
· Prodi gains control of both houses · Berlusconi demands recount

Berlusconi Clings to Last Miracle
· Prime minister and Prodi in neck-and-neck race · Scandal-ridden campaign ends with high turnout.

Italy Faces Political Turmoil As Berlusconi Battles to the End
Italy's political future was balanced on a knife-edge last night as one of the most dramatic votes in its history conjured up the threat of political turmoil.

Italian Election Too Close to Call
The result of Italy's general election remained too close to call tonight after projections showed that the prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, could yet retain control of both houses of parliament.

Prodi Wins Italy's Election - Exit Polls
Italy's prime minister Silvio Berlusconi looks to have narrowly lost the country's general election to a leftwing coalition led by the former European commission president, Romano Prodi, according to exit polls released immediately after voting ended today.

Berlusconi Pledges More Tax Cuts to Try to Avoid Defeat
Silvio Berlusconi, battling to save himself from a predicted defeat in Italy's general election, made a last-gasp bid for undecided voters yesterday by pledging to do away with yet another tax.

'I Feel As Strong As a Lion'
Silvio Berlusconi's conservative alliance is expected to lose the general election, but the Italian prime minister still has a few alarming tricks up his sleeve, writes John Hooper.

Berlusconi 'has Proof' Mills is Innocent
Tessa Jowell's estranged husband, David Mills, is at the centre of Italy's election campaign as Silvio Berlusconi, unveils 'irrefutable' proof of both men's innocence.

Berlusconi Backs Down Over Solo Tv Slot
· PM planned campaign show on own channel · Opposition leader says tactics 'violate law of land'

Berlusconi Accused of Hitting New Low After 'dickheads' Jibe
· PM is vulgar and uncouth, says opposition · Latest insult follows television duel with Prodi

Berlusconi Promises to Abolish Council Tax
· Pledge in TV debate catches Prodi by surprise · Italy's PM also robs left by pledging women ministers

Allies Turn on Berlusconi After Tv Debate Fails to Lift Campaign
Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, trailing in the opinion polls ahead of next month's general election, yesterday faced a mutiny after two senior lieutenants publicly upbraided him for his inept performance in a television debate this week.

Prodi Deemed Winner in Italy Election Debate
An unexpectedly animated Romano Prodi threw Silvio Berlusconi on to the defensive last night in the first televised debate of Italy's general election campaign.

Berlusconi and Prodi Square Off in Tv Debate
Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, and Romano Prodi, the man who aims to oust him, clashed on television last night in a high-profile debate during which both men strove to lure undecided voters.

Prosecutors Call for Mills and Berlusconi to Face Trial
Italian prosecutors are seeking the indictment of the Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, and David Mills on charges of corruption, it was revealed today.

London Owe Berlusconi
Olympic Games: Digger: Tony Blair's relationship with Silvio Berlusconi proved crucial to London's successful Olympic bid.

Just Work Harder, Italian Pm Tells Poor
· Latest TV outburst diverts focus from weak economy · Berlusconi ends Vatican row by cancelling visit

Pope's Meeting With Berlusconi Sparks Row
· Italian PM accused of breaking election tradition · Opposition views visit as bid to grab Catholic votes

Blair Backs Jowell Over Berlusconi Claims
Tony Blair today gave his culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, his unequivocal backing in the wake of allegations over her husband's financial dealings with Silvio Berlusconi.

Jowell Denies Fault Over Berlusconi Scandal
The culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, today denied breaking the ministerial code over her husband's involvement in an alleged bribery scandal related to the Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi.

Berlusconi Hits Out at Tessa Jowell's Husband
· Italian prime minister denies providing 'gift' · I'm innocent, says lawyer facing corruption inquiry

Berlusconi's Boundless Modesty: First It's Napoleon, Now He's Jesus
Silvio Berlusconi at the weekend provided his opponents with ammunition for Italy's forthcoming election battle when the prime minister reportedly compared himself to a long-suffering Jesus Christ.

Berlusconi Narrows Gap in Polls As Election Campaign Starts
Italy's centre and leftwing opposition politicians will today throw themselves into the task of trying to oust Silvio Berlusconi from power after five stormy years that have seen the country's economic growth slow almost to a standstill.

Minister May Face Trial on Secret Funding Charge
A minister in Silvio Berlusconi's government could be put on trial after being accused of taking secret funding for his party from the company involved in Europe's biggest corporate fraud.

Row Over Mussolini's Nazi Army Opens Old Wounds
· Berlusconi pushes for war veteran status for soldiers · Former partisans petition to block legislation

Berlusconi Let Off Charge After Change in Law
Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, in effect let himself off one of the most serious criminal charges against him, according to documents lodged with a Milan court.

Berlusconi's Outburst Puts Strain on Relations With Us
George Bush yesterday praised Silvio Berlusconi as 'a strong partner in peace' during a meeting at the White House, but the two leaders avoided any public discussion of Italy's plan to withdraw troops from Iraq or claims by the Italian prime minister that he repeatedly tried to talk the US president out of an invasion.

I Tried Repeatedly to Talk the Us Out of Invading Iraq, Says Berlusconi
· Italian PM tries to distance himself from White House · Gadafy enlisted to help halt move towards war

Italian Judge Considers Whether to Try Jowell's Husband
A judge in Milan will today begin deciding whether the husband of the culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, should stand trial alongside the Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, on charges of tax fraud and money laundering.

By Their Friends Shall We Know the Sultans of Bling
Blair's relationships with Berlusconi, Bush and Murdoch have defined his premiership. Now Merkel is to join the trio.

Prodi's Poisoned Chalice
John Hooper wonders why a man with a glittering political career behind him would want to inherit Berlusconi's legacy.

Berlusconi 'trying to Buy Election Victory'
· Prodi says rival will pour millions into marginals · Candidate warns win for tycoon would finish Italy

Protest Over Berlusconi's Plans to Reintroduce Pr
Thousands of Italian opposition supporters rallied in Rome yesterday to protest at an attempt by the prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, to change the electoral rules less than seven months before the country chooses its next government.

Unhappy Returns
It is Silvio Berlusconi's birthday tomorrow but from his point of view it must seem singularly ill timed, writes John Hooper.

Opposition Attacks Plan to Change Election Rules
Italy's centre-left opposition yesterday reacted angrily to an attempt by Silvio Berlusconi's government to change the rules for the next general election, due in the spring.

The Euro Has Screwed Everybody - Berlusconi
Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, yesterday said the euro had "screwed everybody" in comments that hinted at his willingness to make political capital out of the currency in the 2006 election campaign. Speaking to his Forza Italia party, he blamed the country's tricky...

Minister Urges Fine for Burka
Silvio Berlusconi's justice minister Roberto Castelli said at the weekend that the garment was at odds with an Italian law that forbids masks.

Berlusconi Minister Wants Italian Vote on Return to Lira
The cause of European unification yesterday suffered another swingeing blow when one of the parties in Silvio Berlusconi's governing coalition threw its weight behind a campaign to pull Italy out of the euro. Roberto Maroni, Mr Berlusconi's social security minister and a joint acting...

Who's Buying Out Corriere Della Sera?
Corporate raid raises fears of attack on paper's anti-Berlusconi stance.

Berlusconi Backs Blair on G8 Agenda
Tony Blair today declared he had the backing of Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi for his twin G8 agendas of Africa and climate change, as the pair met in Rome.

Berlusconi Gets in Shape for Election
With less than a year to go before the next election, the legislators of Italy's ruling party yesterday gathered to hear what their leader, Silvio Berlusconi, had to tell them of new policies and stratagems. They did not have to wait long.

Jowell's Husband Faces Tax and Cash Charges
The husband of the culture secretary learnt yesterday that prosecutors in Milan had asked for him to be put on trial alongside Silvio Berlusconi on charges of tax fraud and money laundering.

Berlusconi Coalition Starts to Unravel
Crisis meeting of supporting parties breaks up in disarray.

Voters Batter Berlusconi
Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's prime minister, suffered a stinging defeat in regional elections yesterday in a possible sign that voters are preparing to oust him in favour of his rival Romano Prodi at a general election next year.

Berlusconi to Pull Out Troops From Iraq
PM forced into pledge after outrage at killing of Italian officer.

Minister's Husband Faces Berlusconi Tax Trial
The husband of the culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, said last night he faced being put on trial alongside the Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, on charges of tax evasion and money laundering.

Stamp Honours Controversial Italian 'hero'
Silvio Berlusconi's government yesterday waded into the enduring controversy over one of Italy's most hotly debated terrorist killings when it issued 3.5m million stamps to commemorate the victim.

Berlusconi Biopic Planned
Hagiography lauding leader's "sense of duty, love of hard work, and capacity for self-sacrifice" may be made into a movie, say Italian press

Berlusconi's Top Ally Jailed for Mafia Link
Blow to Prime Minister after escaping corruption charge.

Court Ruling Clears Berlusconi
Italy's PM seeks full acquittal after 'out of time' verdict on bribery charge.

The Debt Knell Tolls
Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, is awaiting judgment on his spending powers - both personal and political, reports Sophie Arie.

Arrivederci, Il Bel Paese
New laws allow Italians who have broken planning rules by desecrating their beautiful country to legalise their offences. Silvio Berlusconi stands to benefit, reports John Hooper.

Strike Over Berlusconi Bill Closes Italian Courts
Italy's criminal justice system ground to a halt when judges, prosecutors and defending lawyers went on strike to protest at a legal reform bill being steered through parliament by Silvio Berlusconi.

Berlusconi Ultimatum to Italy
Silvio Berlusconi last night threatened to bring down his own government unless he could fulfil an election pledge to reduce income tax.

Former Neo-fascist to Be Italian Foreign Minister
Silvio Berlusconi named Gianfranco Fini, the leader of Italy's former neo-fascists, as his new foreign minister yesterday in a move that offered the heirs of Benito Mussolini's Blackshirts the prospect of new international political respectability.

Italian Eu Nominee Grilled Over Legal Help for Berlusconi
Franco Frattini, the proposed new European justice and civil liberties commissioner, came under fire last night for his role in securing the immunity from justice of Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's controversial prime minister. Sarah Ludford, a Liberal Democrat peer and MEP, last night...

Political Row As Italian Tv News Host Forced Out
Italy's most respected newscaster has been abruptly moved from his prime-time news programme on a network owned by Silvio Berlusconi, raising new fears over the prime minister's influence over the media. Enrico Mentana took leave of his viewers with a cheery "ciao" after 14 years as the...

GM Crops Row Splits Italian Government
Silvio Berlusconi's conservative government was split last night on the issue of genetically modified crops, and farmers warned that delays in agreeing rules could lead to next year's Italian harvests being unintentionally "contaminated". The dispute has cut across traditional loyalties,...

Berlusconi Sidesteps Question of Ransom Paid for Hostages
Italy's newly liberated aid workers gave a muted account yesterday of their captivity in Iraq as debate raged over whether the country paid a ransom for their release. The Italian government continued to deny the ransom reports but top officials hinted that reports a $1m (£550,000)...

Berlusconi Tips Wink to Fiat Chief
Silvio Berlusconi suggested yesterday that he might retire from politics in the future because of his age, and indicated the head of Fiat as his possible successor. With a jovial grin he said that his job would at some point be available to Luca Cordero de Montezemolo, a former head of...

Berlusconi Shrugs Off Fears of New Terror Threat
Silvio Berlusconi brushed off fears yesterday of a fresh terrorist threat in Italy, insisting he would finish his holiday in Sardinia despite a bomb scare in the seaside town where Tony Blair ended a flying visit yesterday. Police found a home-made device - a plastic tube filled with...

Migrants Must Not Die at Sea, Berlusconi Told
The head of Italy's coastguard yesterday stepped into a growing row over illegal immigration with a sharp reminder to Silvio Berlusconi's rightwing government of its humanitarian responsibilities. Admiral Eugenio Sicurezza, whose officers are in the front line of attempts to stem...

Don't Honour Wise Guy De Niro, Say Us Italians
An influential Italian-American organisation has appealed to Silvio Berlusconi, asking the prime minister to cancel Italy's plan to award De Niro honorary citizenship.

Wise Guy De Niro Ruins Our Image, Say Italians in Us
An influential Italian-American organisation has appealed to Silvio Berlusconi, asking the prime minister to cancel Italy's plan to award De Niro honorary citizenship.

Through the Keyhole at Berlusconi's Villa
Boris Johnson has already been, the locals are fed up, Tony and Cherie are on their way. Ros Taylor looks through the keyhole at Silvio Berlusconi's imperial new abode in Sardinia

Mafiosi Given 'soft Jail Time' By Berlusconi
A row over an apparent relaxation in prison conditions for Italy's jailed mobsters is reigniting suspicions in Italy over its government's alleged relationship with the Mafia. Leading mobsters such as Pietro Vernengo, known as 'Bazooka Eyes' because of his terrifying gaze, a multiple...

The Show's Over, Silvio
Berlusconi is losing popularity in Italy, and so are his television networks' outdated gameshows. Sophie Arie reports on the timely demise of the skimpily dressed hostess.

Berlusconi Hit By Minister's Resignation
Umberto Bossi, the ailing leader of Italy's Northern League, resigned yesterday from Silvio Berlusconi's cabinet, dealing the prime minister a severe blow, just as it seemed he was free of the tangle of problems enveloping his government. The leader of the League has been in hospital...

Fading Berlusconi Escapes Once More
After mounting calls for a snap election, the Italian leader sidestepped his critics by naming a new economy minister.

Berlusconi's Coalition Close to Collapse
Italy's billionaire prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, was battling to stay in power yesterday as he faced the threat of a mutiny in his coalition over his conflict of interests, his attempt to take personal control of the national finances, and plans for government reform. In talks that...

Berlusconi's Children in 'dirty Money' Inquiry
The two oldest children of Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, are being investigated for suspected money-laundering, it was reported last night. Italian media, quoting court sources, reported that Piersilvio and Marina Berlusconi, the prime minister's son and daughter by his first...

Berlusconi Escapes Eurozone Budget Rebuke After Pledge to Lower Italy's Deficit
Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi was yesterday spared the humiliation of a reprimand over his country's budget backsliding on his first day as finance minister - but only after promising a €7.5bn (£5bn) improvement in Italy's public finances. European Union finance...

Two Jobs for Crisis-hit Berlusconi
The Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, will be forced to double as finance minister at the EU summit in Brussels today following a weekend of political turmoil which heaped pressure on his government. The media tycoon took up the economic reins after frantic meetings which...

Left Celebrates After Berlusconi's Coalition Defeated in Stronghold
If, as Silvio Berlusconi likes to say, Italian politics is like a game of football, then his side has just taken a severe beating on its home ground. His centre-right coalition could even be said to have scored an own goal. Results from weekend local elections showed Milan,...

Silvio's Dangerous Liaison
The slump in votes for Berlusconi's Forza Italia party in the European elections has left the prime minister open to pressure from his friends on the far right, writes John Hooper.

Berlusconi's Holiday Home Sparks Planning Row
Spymaster says improvements are in the interests of security.

Berlusconi: Married But Engaged
The private life of Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, came under scrutiny yesterday - from his wife. A biography of the former actress, Veronica Lario, reveals that the image she has of him, after 25 years of marriage, is of a man constantly on the telephone, even at Christmas...

Berlusconi's Wake Up Call to Voters Angers Left
The Italian left is crying foul after the office of the prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, sent 56m text messages to mobile telephones urging their owners to turn out to vote in tomorrow's European and local elections. The ballot has assumed a much greater importance in Italy than in most...

The Laughable Cavaliere
The public may not like Silvio Berlusconi's election posters, but Italy's satirists love them, writes Sophie Arie.

Italian Press Review
Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, set a new record yesterday by leading Italy's longest-serving government since the second world war.

Berlusconi Bribery Trial Reopens
The trial of the Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, returned to court yesterday after 10 months of high parliamentary and judicial drama, and ran straight into further controversy.

Berlusconi Risks Revolt With Tax Cut
Silvio Berlusconi faced a potentially lethal rebellion in his coalition last night as he tried to rally support for a plan to revive Italy's economy and his government's flagging popularity. The deputy prime minister, Gianfranco Fini, warned he would pull his hard-right National Alliance...

Italians Strike Over Berlusconi's Economic Failure
Millions of Italians stopped work yesterday in a general strike that caused widespread disruption and forced an offer of talks from Silvio Berlusconi's embattled government even before it started. Public-sector workers went on strike for between four and eight hours, along with others in...

Italian Mps Plan Control of New Mosques
Members of Silvio Berlusconi's coalition government have proposed a law to control the building of mosques in Italy because they can be used to "spread hatred for the West". Under the law, requests to build or open mosques and their method of finance would be assessed by local authorities...

Berlusconi Tv Shocker Causes Fury
Silvio Berlusconi was last night facing demands for a reality television show on one of his channels to be scrapped after it provoked viewer outrage and a threat of an advertising boycott. A young woman's breast enlargement operation was featured on Scalpel - Nobody's Perfect, a programme...

It's Ok to Dodge Taxes, Says Berlusconi
The Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, suggested yesterday it was "morally acceptable" to avoid paying taxes if they were too high, as he launched his European parliamentary election campaign.

'A Grave State of Intimidation'
The degree of influence wielded by Silvio Berlusconi over state-owned broadcaster RAI is coming under increasing scrutiny. John Hooper explains.

Wife Talked Berlusconi Into Surgery
Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, who reappeared last week after uncharacteristically dodging the limelight for almost a month, said his wife had talked him into having cosmetic surgery during his absence.

Berlusconi Needs More Than Cosmetic Surgery
Facing a fractious coalition, public discontent and corporate scandal, Il Cavaliere's grip on Italy is looking shaky, writes Sophie Arie.

Italians Ditch Vests for Exotic Holidays
Amid the turmoil of the Parmalat scandal and debate over whether Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is 'more equal' before the law than others, a small but significant bit of news slipped out. Italians no longer wear vests. The government has officially consigned the classic, white...

Berlusconi's New-look Italian Politics
Eyewash or eye-catching? PM's media-based populism has transformed the country in 10 years.

Berlusconi: the Man Who Wasn't There
The Italian prime minister's mysterious recent disappearance confirms that absence makes the heart grow fonder, observes John Hooper.

Ian Black: Inside Europe
It's early days for rating Bertie Ahern's performance running the EU, but not a moment too soon to say that he is doing better than Italy's Silvio Berlusconi - who is proving a predictably easy act to follow.

Italians Worry As Their Pm Avoids Spotlight
Fears surround the health of Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi as the billionaire yesterday again slipped out of the public view despite the country's climate of increasing political turmoil. Berlusconi is due to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his party, Forza Italia, next...

Berlusconi is Unofficially Missing
Silvio Berlusconi, entertainment mogul and prime minister of Italy, has been unofficially missing from his country's radar since before Christmas.

Jokes But No Punchline
Italy's EU presidency will be remembered for Silvio Berlusconi's gaffes and the failure to draw up a constitution, writes Sophie Arie.

Italian Cabinet Steps in to Aid Berlusconi Channel
The Italian cabinet passed an emergency decree on Tuesday to save one of the prime minister's private TV channels from possible closure at the end of the year.

Berlusconi Kicks Up a Storm Over Plan to Curb Tv Access
Silvio Berlusconi's opponents, and even some of his followers, were yesterday left reeling by the latest move in his increasingly ruthless fight to preserve his media influence. The Italian prime minister has announced that one of his top priorities in the new year will be to review the...

Berlusconi Stirs Media Bill Row
PM to sign emergency decree to guard TV interests. Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, yesterday pledged to bypass an attempt to curb his vast media power by getting his government to impose an emergency decree to protect his television empire from being dismantled.

Italy's President Refuses to Sign Pro-berlusconi Media Bill
Italy's head of state last night dealt Silvio Berlusconi's conservative government a humiliating blow by refusing to sign into law a bill the prime minister's critics have said will boost his already vast influence over the country's media, writes John Hooper.

Italian President Refuses to Sign Controversial Media Bill
Rejection is humiliating blow to PM Berlusconi as plan is returned to parliament for reconsideration.

Comic Fo Exposes Berlusconi's Flaws
Dario Fo has been prancing around dressed as a short, fat Silvio Berlusconi every night this week, in front of a roaring Roman audience. It's not surprising he looks weary. 'We did not want to do this,' said Italy's 77-year-old Nobel prize-winner, in Rome with his actress wife, Franca...

Concern Over Berlusconi's Health
There has been growing speculation about the health of Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, ahead of one of the most challenging tasks of his political career - next week's crucial EU summit in Brussels to decide on the European constitution. For the second time in two weeks, it was...

'Attacking Our Democratic Lifeblood'
Protesters have taken to the streets to condemn a new law that opens the way for Silvio Berlusconi to expand his media empire. Sophie Arie reports.

TV Overhaul Favours Berlusconi
The Italian parliament last night gave final approval to a bill to overhaul the media, which critics have argued plays into the hands of media magnate and prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi. The measure opens the way for the privatisation of the state broadcaster, RAI. Critics say it was...

Southern Poor Force Nuclear Dump U-turn
Silvio Berlusconi's government was hounded into an embarrassing about-turn last night by some of Italy's poorest and least influential citizens. Faced with protests in southern Italy, ministers withdrew a decree to dump the country's nuclear waste on the town of Scanzano Jonico in the...

Watch What We Tell You: John Hooper in Rome
With Silvio Berlusconi tightening his grip on Italian TV, Franco's Spain was more libertarian than today's Italy, writes John Hooper.

No Political Satire Please... We're Italian
Voice of dissent silenced as Berlusconi's media group gags TV comedian. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been accused of suffering a sense-of-humour failure after his media group sued a comedian for spreading 'lies and insinuations' about it.

Partners Warn Italian Leader
Silvio Berlusconi's coalition partners warned the Italian prime minister yesterday they could bring down his government after Italy hands over the EU presidency next month, unless he moves to uphold their interests. At a party rally in Milan yesterday, Umberto Bossi, reform minister and...

Berlusconi Says Basta! to Violence
The prime minister urges Italians to take to the squares to protest against political violence, reports Sophie Arie.

Berlusconi's Love Songs Out on Cd
Three lucky Italian couples will soon have the opportunity to be married to the strain of love songs written by their prime minister. A CD of pieces largely written by Silvio Berlusconi hits the shops today with a special offer: buyers counting the days to their wedding can enter a draw....

Berlusconi Praised for Remarks on Immigrants
Silvio Berlusconi won rare plaudits in the European parliament yesterday for highlighting the painful issue of illegal immigration - and failing to make any of the gaffes for which he is now notorious.

Europe aims to strike a grand bargain
Tough talks lie ahead as EU countries meet to thrash out a constitution that will bring many new rules. A British consultant has been hired to help Silvio Berlusconi, the mercurial and gaffe-prone Italian prime minister, start a complex and highly sensitive series of multilateral negotiations today in Rome over the power and sovereignty of the European Union's first constitution.

Berlusconi faces rebellion
Silvio Berlusconi faced revolt from all sides, including his political allies, yesterday as Italy's unions rose up against his planned pension reforms, and MPs stalled a bill that would have allowed him to expand his media empire.

Air-brushing History
In common with many of his compatriots, Silvio Berlusconi sometimes seems unable to come to terms with Italy's fascist past, writes John Hooper.

'King' Berlusconi Plans Prime Ministerial Revolution
Silvio Berlusconi's government has proposed a sweeping reform of the Italian constitution, prompting some opposition MPs to claim he is grabbing "monarchical" powers for himself.

Dumbing Down Row at La Scala
Left suspects dispute may allow Berlusconi to ambush opera house and install his man at top in Milan.

Berlusconi's Nemesis Closes in
Half a million now back judge's derided campaign to scrap law that saved Prime Minister from trial.

Mussolini Wasn't That Bad, Says Berlusconi
Even some of Silvio Berlusconi's own supporters and allies were last night squirming with embarrassment at their leader's latest extraordinary gaffe. In an interview published yesterday by the Spectator, Italy's prime minister appeared to defend the actions of his country's fascist...

Judges are crazy, says Berlusconi
Silvio Berlusconi has landed himself at the centre of a new storm by ridiculing the Italian judiciary, less than two months after comparing a German MEP to a concentration camp guard.

European Roundup
Silvio Berlusconi has landed himself at the centre of a new storm by ridiculing the Italian judiciary, less than two months after comparing a German MEP to a concentration camp guard.

Berlusconi Goes From Sad to Verse
One of the most closely guarded secrets in Italian politics is out. A Milanese newspaper yesterday offered its readers an exclusive peek at the lyrics Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has penned for a forthcoming album of love songs. Lauding the former cruise ship crooner as...

Italian Pm Loses Opera Plot
Silvio Berlusconi baffles his fellow Italians by unexpectedly cancelling a dinner date and trip to the opera with Germany's chancellor, Gerhard Schröder.

Berlusconi Makes Friendly Overtures to Schröder
The Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, will embark on a fence-mending exercise tonight when he attends an opera in the company of the German chancellor. Mr Berlusconi is expected to join Gerhard Schröder at a performance of Bizet's Carmen in the Roman amphitheatre at Verona,...

Berlusconi Accused of Rigging Approval for Venice Motorway
Silvio Berlusconi's government has been accused of rigging a key committee to enable a motorway to be built through a Unesco-nominated world heritage site. The charity Save Europe's Heritage said in a statement issued from London that the Rome government had removed officials who opposed...

Berlusconi's Allies Force Immunity Climbdown
Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, was humiliated yesterday when his government dropped an attempt to block an investigation into his business dealings - showing that, despite a bill passed last month granting him immunity, there are limits to what his allies will tolerate. At the...

Above the Law
He cannot be prosecuted, and now Silvio Berlusconi is seeking to prohibit even the investigation of his past activities, writes John Hooper.

Berlusconi Accusers Face Inquiry
Two prosecutors who put Italy's prime minister on trial for bribery have themselves been put under investigation. Charges against Silvio Berlusconi were shelved last month after the Italian parliament approved an immunity bill protecting the country's top five officials from prosecution...

Italian Media Chief Resigns in Row Over Senate Bill
The head of Italy's state broadcasting corporation, RAI, announced her resignation last night, minutes before the upper house of parliament approved a bill that critics say will enhance the immense power of Silvio Berlusconi's commercial TV empire. Lucia Annunziata, the president of a...

Ian Black: Inside Europe
Romano Prodi must really be looking forward to his summer holidays at home in Bologna - a little light bicycling and not too much nerve-jangling contact with Silvio Berlusconi.

Berlusconi Defuses Nazi Jibe Row
The European parliament ended its furious row with Silvio Berlusconi last night after the Italian prime minister was forced to express "regret" for suggesting a German MEP should star in a film about concentration camps. The Forza Italia leader admitted to Pat Cox, the Irish president of...

Berlusconi's 'regret' Defuses Row Over Nazi Joke
The European parliament ended its furious row with Silvio Berlusconi last night after the Italian prime minister was forced to express "regret" for suggesting that a German MEP should star in a film about concentration camps. The Forza Italia leader admitted to Pat Cox, the Irish...

Ian Black: Inside Europe
It may take some time - perhaps even the entire six months of Italy's EU presidency - to get over Silvio Berlusconi's jaw-dropping performance in the European parliament in Strasbourg last week.

It's a Charade and We All Know It
The government is only harming itself in its battle with the BBC. Nobody (wails a baleful Silvio Berlusconi) understands irony any longer. Nobody pauses to scowl, and then smile. Well - huff-puff! - maybe not at a dodgy Italian prime minister, pumping out propaganda through television channels he happens to own.

'I won't apologise for my Nazi joke'
Silvio Berlusconi insisted yesterday that he had not apologised for his concentration-camp "joke" and had no intention of doing so, despite calls from across Europe for a formal apology to allow the EU to return to business as usual.

Italian TV accused of censoring furore over Berlusconi jibe
Italian television stations were embroiled in a row over censorship yesterday as critics complained that coverage of Silvio Berlusconi's row in the European parliament had been deliberately "softened and cut".

Europe stunned by Fawlty Towers gaffe
Silvio Berlusconi's infamous Nazi jibe reverberated across Europe yesterday as governments pondered gloomily how they will get through the next six months of EU business under his mercurial presidency.

'It's nothing new for us so it's hard to react'
Some Italians rolled their eyes and cringed, others felt proud - and many were too familiar with their prime minister's sense of humour to react to Silvio Berlusconi's concentration camp "joke".

Berlusconi's Regret at Nazi Jibe Defuses Diplomatic Stand-off
Italy's billionaire prime minister Silvio Berlusconi last night expressed regret for his Nazi jibe against a German MEP, in a bid to end a serious diplomatic stand-off between the two countries just as Italy takes over the European Union presidency. The German chancellor, Gerhard...

Nazi Jibe By Italian Premier
Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, spectacularly confirmed fears of a rocky ride ahead for his EU presidency yesterday when he suggested that a German MEP should star in a film about a Nazi concentration camp.

He Built a Milanese Utopia But Can Silvio Berlusconi Be Trusted With the Future of the Eu?
Politician and tycoon takes over European presidency.

Italian Mps Vote to Kill Off Berlusconi Bribery Trial
Italian legislators voted last night to pass an immunity law that will save the media tycoon Silvio Berlusconi from prosecution for as long as he is prime minister. Deputies in the lower house of parliament approved a legal amendment proposed by Mr Berlusconi himself less than two months...

The Fatal Shore
As thousands of north Africans risk their lives to reach Italy, immigration is also proving dangerous for Silvio Berlusconi's government, writes Sophie Arie.

Berlusconi bullish in second court appearance
Italy's billionaire prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, made a symbolic appearance at his trial for corruption yesterday, blustering against his adversaries but giving little strong new evidence, while parliament prepared to pass a law giving him immunity.

Judges Add Berlusconi to Tax Case
The Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has been put under investigation for allegedly avoiding paying millions of pounds in taxes, the Italian media report, just as his government is pushing through an immunity law to save him from a possible corruption conviction. His name has...

Strikes to Hit Italian Press
Italian print journalists are expected to strike today amid growing protests that economic and political pressure is stifling criticism of the country's media tycoon prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi. The Italian National Press Federation called on newspaper and wire service journalists...

Senate Approves Berlusconi's Fast-track Immunity Bill
Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's controversial media mogul prime minister, appeared to slip through the noose of litigation yesterday after the Italian senate approved a bill giving top government executives immunity from prosecution. In one of the speediest decisions in Italy's notoriously...

Italian Pm Accused of Bribing Judge
A Milan prosecutor yesterday claimed evidence from Swiss bank accounts proved that alleged accomplices of Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, had bribed magistrates to win a corporate takeover battle in the 1980s. Ilda Boccassini said the banking evidence demonstrated the...

Berlusconi trial outcome delayed for years by court
Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, was released from the threat of an imminent corruption conviction yesterday after an Italian court made a surprise decision that could delay his trial for years.

Italian Pm Warns of New Red Menace
Even in the theatrical world of Italian politics, it was an eventful week. Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's richest man, became the first serving Italian Prime Minister to testify as a criminal defendant and now faces the prospect of being convicted while in office.

Berlusconi Launches Media Counterattack
The Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, launched a media campaign urging the public to support him as he battles to avoid a corruption conviction by judges he accuses of plotting "a constitutional coup". The billionaire's possible conviction on bribery charges could come while...

Berlusconi, the Man Who Would Be King, Faces Final Courtroom Embarrassment
Il Cavaliere aims to take his enemies with him if found guilty of bribing a judge.

Scandals Put Berlusconi at Bay
Italy's wealthy leader will be accused this week of running down the state TV service to boost channels he owns. Sophie Arie reports from Rome.

Pressure on Berlusconi Over Tv Job
Italy's state broadcaster, RAI, was plunged into a fresh crisis yesterday when a former newspaper editor gave up the presidency after five days because of pressure from members of the centre-right coalition of the prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi. The crisis has heightened concerns about...

'Anti-everything' Tuscans Boo Out Berlusconi
Silvio Berlusconi has been forced to abandon plans to add a 10th-century Tuscan castle to his private collection of villas after residents made it clear that he is not welcome. The Italian prime minister was abused by the people of the traditionally leftwing hilltop town of Montalcino,...

Furore over 'junk TV' puts heat on Berlusconi
Italy's media mogul prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, faced a storm of political protest yesterday for trying to directly nominate the bosses of the state television service.

Berlusconi Scorns Judiciary, Un Says
Silvio Berlusconi has been accused in a UN report of undermining the Italian judiciary and acting as if he is "above the law". The report criticises the prime minister, who is on trial for corruption, for scorning the judges, manipulating the legal system to his personal advantage and...

Italian Pm to Defy Judge's Ruling
Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, went into battle with the country's judiciary yesterday, making clear that even if he is found guilty of corruption by judges in Milan in coming months, he does not intend to resign. "I will carry out my duty as prime minister right to the very...

Mafia Supergrass Fingers Berlusconi
Courtroom testimony of Cosa Nostra's No. 2 explains sudden demise of Christian Democrats and mysterious rise to power of Forza Italia.

Berlusconi Aide 'struck Deal With Mafia'
One of the closest aides to Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, promised to help the mafia resolve its judicial problems in exchange for electoral support, a supergrass told a court yesterday. Antonino Giuffre, a senior mafia boss who turned state's evidence after his arrest...

Berlusconi Implicated in Deal With Godfathers
Italian prime minister's party agreed to make life easier for jailed criminals, says turncoat.

Berlusconi Silent at Friend's Mafia Trial
Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, refused to testify yesterday in the mafia trial of a close associate, using the right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination. Mr Berlusconi was entitled to refuse to answer questions because he had been charged in a related case shelved...

What Price Freedom?
When Silvio Berlusconi starts to champion the cause of an imprisoned leftwing dissident, you can't help but question the Italian prime minister's motives, writes Philip Willan.

MPs Pass Law Putting Berlusconi in the Clear
Italian MPs gave final approval yesterday to a law which critics say is intended to save the prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, from being convicted of corruption by spinning out his trial until the charge expires under the statute of limitations. The judicial prejudice law allows a...

'Parliamentary pianists' play in Berlusconi's law
The reputation of Silvio Berlusconi's government sank to a new low at the weekend when newspapers published photographs of members of his coalition casting multiple votes as the senate approved a law that critics say is intended to rescue the prime minister from a corruption trial in Milan.

The Business of Religion
Silvio Berlusconi is only one of a long line of Italian businessmen who have an almost Messianic self-belief - only he has been more successful than most, writes Philip Willan.

State Tv Pulls Plug on Berlusconi Satire
The Italian state television service has banned an item on Silvio Berlusconi in a satirical television series, adding to the fear that the prime minister is tightening his stranglehold on Italian television and threatening freedom of speech. The episode of the programme Blob was due to be...

Berlusconi Confronted By Circular Argument
The girotondi protests against legal reforms are reuniting the Italian centre-left with a new sense of purpose, writes Philip Willan.

Fans of Berlusconi reveal Nobel intent
A group of admirers is planning to propose Italy's controversial prime minister for the Nobel peace prize, citing Silvio Berlusconi's foreign policy achievements and his concern for the plight of the poor.

Berlusconi in middle of football fiasco
Italian leader compromised by his many hats as cash-strapped league calls for government funds. Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, found himself at the heart of a new row over conflict of interests yesterday as his government wrestled with a television football rights crisis that threatens to deprive millions of Italians of their favourite sport this autumn.

Opposition 'kept Off Berlusconi-run Tv'
Italy's state broadcaster has reduced the space devoted to the opposition on television news programmes by 10% since coming under the control of the centre-right government of Silvio Berlusconi, the opposition Daisy party said yesterday. Mr Berlusconi owns the three main commercial...

Berlusconi's Altered State
It appears that the Italian prime minister's recent judicial reforms have been introduced for the benefit of one citizen - the prime minister himself, writes Philip Willan.

Protesters Say Bill is Designed to Halt Berlusconi's Trial
Cries of "shame" in the Italian parliament were echoed by protesters who gathered outside the Senate yesterday after the government proposed legislation that could scotch the gravest of the corruption trials facing the prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi. The protesters denounced a bill...

Berlusconi eyes Italian presidency
Silvio Berlusconi has shocked Italy by declaring he would quit as prime minister to become president if the constitution was rewritten to make it a more powerful, French-style post.

Broken promises of economic revival
Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right coalition swept to power on promises of turning Italy's sluggish, under-performing economy into Europe's competitive tiger by boosting growth, slashing taxes, investing in infrastructure and privatising state assets.

Berlusconi Corruption Trial Turns Into Test of Strength for Italian Justice
The prime minister has little to show for his year in power, save for his no-holds-barred fight to keep out of court.

Italian Voters Turn Left in Local Polls
Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right government was jolted yesterday by an unexpected hammering in local elections, signalling a recovery by the Italian left. The prime minister's decision to campaign personally in key battlegrounds backfired when his coalition lost nine out of 11 cities,...

Italians withhold judgment on Berlusconi
The static results of Italy's local elections may indicate voters want to give the government more time to deliver - or perhaps they really just want to be left alone, writes Rory Carroll

Silvio's Roman carnival for Nato heads
When Silvio Berlusconi makes history, he commissions an appropriate setting: triumphal arches, marble statues, a colosseum and an Aztec pyramid, however fake.

Silvio Berlusconi's Report Card
Philip Willan gives the Italian prime minister marks out of 10 during his first year in office.

Murder Case Against Berlusconi Dropped
A Sicilian judge has a dismissed the allegation that the Italian prime minister, was implicated in the murder of the leading mafia prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.

Berlusconi's Northern League Allies Are Racist, Says Report
The Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has leapt to the defence of the Northern League, one of his coalition allies, after it was described as "racist and xenophobic" in a Council of Europe report. Its conclusions are particularly embarrassing for Mr Berlusconi - whose government...

Berlusconi Stokes New Row on Tv Bias
Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, found himself at the heart of a new political controversy yesterday after suggesting that three of his most outspoken critics should be banned from working on state television. Coming just two days after the appointment of government...

The Berlusconi Disease Can Spread Throughout Europe
Italy's renewal has been mired in chauvinism and buffoonery.

Berlusconi Tightens Stranglehold on Italian Networks
Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi now controls five of Italy's six main national TV networks, consolidating a stranglehold on the media that his opponents say threatens democracy. By Philip Willan.

Kirch on the Brink As Banks Step in
Four German banks yesterday took control of the main firm in Leo Kirch's tottering media empire in a move that - at least for the moment - locked out would-be foreign predators including Rupert Murdoch and Silvio Berlusconi. KirchMedia, which owns five German television channels, a huge...

Nick Fraser: Call time on France's Berlusconi
Jacques Chirac is unfit to stand for re-election as president. "La France s'ennuie," declared a famous newspaper headline just before the 1968 upheavals.

Yes, Prime Minister
First he gobbled up most of the media, then he captured the government. And now that Silvio Berlusconi has Italy in his pocket, he is looking longingly towards Germany. Rory Carroll on the man they call Il Cavaliere.

Circus Rally Gives Berlusconi the Thumbs Down
The Italian prime minister, faces an uphill struggle to push through his promised liberalisation of the labour market after two million people protest on the streets of Rome.

Censorship 'award' for Berlusconi
Free speech campaigners last night awarded a gong to the Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, "for services to censorship".

Assassination Bears Mark of Red Brigades
Silvio Berlusconi vowed to press ahead with controversial labour market changes yesterday in defiance of the assassins who shot dead one of the authors of the new proposals, provoking fears that political terrorism had made a comeback. The Italian prime minister said a state funeral would...

Leader with a finger in all the pies
Silvio Berlusconi's dominance of private and public media in Italy has sparked concerns that he could abuse that power to promote a rightwing agenda through newspapers, television and film.

Berlusconi Blamed As Migrants Die
Italian PM's crackdown 'killed at least 50' say his opponents

Berlusconi Widens Control of Italian Tv
Silvio Berlusconi's government sealed its dominance of Italian television last night by putting its sympathisers in charge of the state broadcaster, signalling an expected tilt in news, current affairs and drama programmes. The ruling centre-right coalition claimed a majority of seats on...

Berlusconi Pushes for Control of 90% of Italian Tv
Italy's state broadcaster tumbled into Silvio Berlusconi's control yesterday when the term of the board of directors expired, giving the prime minister an opportunity to seal his dominance of television. A new board sympathetic to the ruling centre-right coalition is expected to be...

Blair and Berlusconi Frame Deal to Free Up Eu Markets
Tony Blair and Silvio Berlusconi sealed an alliance yesterday by making a joint declaration to champion economic liberalisation in the European Union. The British and Italian prime ministers promised to form a united front in pursuing more flexible labour and energy markets - a goal...

Berlusconi Rebuffed As Swiss Reject Treaty
Switzerland has rebuffed Silvio Berlusconi by blocking an accord which critics said was intended to protect the Italian prime minister from cross-border judicial investigations. The Swiss government delayed ratifying a bilateral treaty - agreed in 1998 - after amendments were made by Mr...

Italian Left in Disarray
The unity of Italy's opposition, without which Silvio Berlusconi cannot be beaten at the polls, is as elusive as ever, writes Philip Willan.

Berlusconi told to leave courts alone
The Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, faced a growing political furore yesterday over his perceived attempts to interfere with the judicial process. Mr Berlusconi got his justice minister to attempt, in vain, to transfer one of the judges trying him for alleged corruption....

Berlusconi insists he backs Europe
Silvio Berlusconi gave a confident defence of his foreign policy yesterday, assuring parliament of his commitment to the European ideal, but failing to convince the opposition that there has not been a sea change in Italy's approach to the EU. The Italian prime minister and interim...

Judiciary rebels against Berlusconi
Hundreds of Italian magistrates, worried at what they see as an attempt by the government of Silvio Berlusconi to curtail their independence, staged an unprecedented public protest at the weekend to coincide with the official opening of the judicial year in the country's 26 courts of appeal...

Euro row in prickly pear republic
Silvio Berlusconi paid his first visit to the foreign ministry today in his dual role as foreign minister and premier to outline his plans for the reform of Italian diplomacy to ambassadors and ministerial staff. Like much in Italian politics, the departure of his predecessor at the...

Resignation lays bare Italian split
The Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, assumed interim responsibility for foreign affairs yesterday as he struggled to resolve the political crisis precipitated by the sudden resignation of his foreign minister, Renato Ruggiero. Amid a worsening dispute over European policy, Mr...

Catholics alarmed by brothel proposal
A prime ministerial suggestion that state-run brothels, outlawed 44 years ago, may return to Italy has been condemned as "obscene and scandalous" by Roman Catholic commentators. Silvio Berlusconi told the conservative daily Libero: "Like many Italians I am fed up with the shame I feel...

Making a few lira from the euro
Italy, one of the founders of the European Union and renowned for its unquestioning Europhilia, is preparing to join the single currency under the most anti-European government of its post-war history. Silvio Berlusconi has clashed with his European partners over plans for a...

Lost in translation
Silvio Berlusconi has promised to dust the cobwebs from Italy's sclerotic state bureaucracy. A gifted communicator, successful businessman and master of modern technologies, to many electors he appeared just the man for the job. So it was particularly embarrassing when it emerged last...