Berlusconi feeling the consequences of his politics

Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi received votes of confidence from both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate on Wednesday and Thursday. But his success is restricted to the figures only, concludes the liberal daily Der Standard, because politically he is much weakened. "Berlusconi has turned politics into a market. Now he is feeling the consequences. His ruling party is splintering up into small factions, with deserters and mavericks who want to be rewarded with posts. ... The level of political debate could hardly be any lower. Ministers like Umberto Bossi, who likes to poke his middle finger at cameras, imitate farting noises and refer to political opponents like Christian Democrat Pier Ferdinando Casini in public as an 'arsehole' provide daily evidence of how crude Italian politics has become. This crudeness is now hitting back at the Cavaliere. Berlusconi always rewarded the yes-sayers  and ticked off his critics within his own party. It's difficult to believe that they won't pull the plug on him when they get the chance."

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