The EU must stop Berlusconi

The new Berlusconi law stipulates that most court cases in Italy should be limited to a maximum of six years. Should the judges fail to deliver a verdict by then they will lose the chance altogether. The EU must finally step in, writes the daily Aftonbladet, because the law is above all meant to put an end to a series of trials against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi: "The Berlusconi system violates basic principles laid down by the EU and the Copenhagen criteria on respect for democratic institutions and independent judiciaries. ... Until now Berlusconi has not had to worry about facing sanctions, or even having to answer critical questions. Italy is one of the most powerful countries in the EU, of which it is a founding member. Its right-wing government can count on the solidarity of friends from affiliated European parties, including the Swedish prime minister [Fredrick Reinfeldt who holds the Council Presidency]. The main task of the EU is to secure democracy. Until now Reinfeldt and the European Right have preferred to protect Berlusconi."

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