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.

While reacting to some remarks made by Mark-in Schultz, Member of the European Parliament, about the Italian Prime Minister’s use of a recent immunity law to avoid facing trial on corruption charge, Berlusconi said that Schultz was a perfect candidate for the role of a Nazi concentration camp guard in a film being produced in Italy. "I know a producer in Italy who is making a film on Nazi concentration camps. I will suggest you for the role", Mr. Berlusconi said.

Expectedly, these remarks caused a furore. Socialists, Greens and Liberal Democrats demanded on official apology from Berlusconi to both Schultz and the European Parliament. The president of the parliament Pat Cox suggested that he retract his remarks. The German Chancellor Gerhard also demanded an apology from Berlusconi reported Cox’s suggestion.

The genesis of the development is a law passed by the Italian Parliament giving legal immunity to high ranking state officials like the President, Prime Minister and Speaker of parliament against charges of misdemeanor extending even to periods prior to their coming to such office.

The law was clearly seen as preventing the trial of Berlusconi for corruption on the charges of allegedly bribing judges.

A Milan court which has started the trial had to stop it after the controversial Bill was passed in Italy’s Lower House of Parliament where Berlusconi’s centre-right has a majority.

Much adverse comments appeared in the European Press on this issue.

When Berlusconi started addressing the European Parliament, several members were on their feet displaying placards which read "The law is equal for all".

Berlusconi’s reaction to Schultz’s remarks came from his difficulties with the legal problems and the adverse Press comments.

As reported in Frontline-an Indian news daily, "The criticism in the European press of diverse political opinion ranging from liberal to conservative has centered on the persona of Berlusconi and the ‘anomaly’ he represents in the context of European political culture. As Italy’s richest man at the head of a vast business empire, Berlusconi combines in himself an interweaving of private interests and the public authority in a scale and manner that Europe has never known before.

After Berlusconi came to power in 2001, his actions have given ground for suspecting that he is using his political office to further his business interests. Besides the law giving immunity to high ranking officials in Italy, there was a tussle over the question of European arrest warrant under a proposal by which any E.U. country would hand over suspects in specific crime cases to the country where they are accused for trial. The Italian government opposed this move and threatened to veto it unless it excluded crimes such as a fraud and corruption seen as a clear effort to protect Berlusconi whose business activities were under investigation in Spain.

Berlusconi has companies which control three commercial TV channels and as head of government he now controls three other largest publishing houses in Italy, Mondadori and several newspapers and magazines.

The E.U. is at a crucial stage of development. The Inter-Governmental Conference to be held by end of 2003 will complete negotiation on a draft constitution for the E.U. France and Germany generally support the draft, while Germany and Spain are opposed to restricting their sovereign rights in favor of a ‘Federal Super State’ which is implied in the draft.

The interim Presidency of the E.U. at this stage is an important position as important discussions with future implications would be taking place.

Berlusconi stated that he was sorry for his remarks if it offended anyone and German Chancellor Schroeder has said that the matter is treated as closed.

The Iraq war caused a drift in U.S.-E.U. relations. Italy backed the U.S. on the question. With his cordial relations with President Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair, Berlusconi may be in a position to restore the cordiality in U.S.-E.U. relations.