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In the first of a series on world leaders, Miles Deverson takes a look at Nicholas Sarkozy
They are in the spotlight of the media. Their reputation and image in the public is more important and damageable than that of any actor, singer or Hollywood Star on earth. What they say and do is closely followed and criticized by the media and the public. I am talking about the heads of state. But do you know what happens in their private life when the doors are closed? The public face of a political person like David Cameron, Barrack Obama or Nicolas Sarkozy is likely to be that of a strong, fearless leader who spends every possible minute on improving the situation of his people. We all know the plain truth. But there are certain parts of our fellow politicians we are unaware of. My focus will be on one specific specimen called Mr Berlusconi.
I am the Jesus Christ of politics. I am a patient victim, I sacrifice myself for everyone. The self-confidence of every politician is beyond ordinary but this quote belongs to the Italian head of state - Silvio Berlusconi. His controversial career has been surrounded by scandals and mafia rumours.
A pocket with estimated $9 Billion, control of a large part of the media and rumoured contacts to the mafia has not stopped him from leading the country, or should I say has not stopped the Italian citizens of voting for him. Furthermore he used the government to grant him immunity (“Lodo Alfano” Law) to fight the corruption- and sex charges. The number of criminal allegations is likely to be longer than any other politician on this planet. His criminal record is however clean because new laws (created by Mr Berlusconi himself) lead to an expiration of the statutes of limitations or to a not guilty sentence.
Since his divorce from Veronica Lario in Arpil 2009, Silvio Berlusconi also faces sex allegations. Besides making show girls or models Members of the European Parliament he is accused of having sex with underage women. Noemi L. and Karima El M. are just two women who we are aware of. His reaction on the latest sex scandal: "Better to have a passion for beautiful women than to be gay!"
As before, this affair could have serious consequences to his political career. Three close acquaintances and Mr Berlusconi himself are currently under investigation of aiding and abetting prostitution. Additionally Karima M. was released from prison after the station received a call from the Prime Minister’s office. That could mean that Mr. Berlusconi has again abused his powerful position to his own advantage. As a result the opposition wanted Berlusconi to resign as prime minister. His rejection leads to the today’s resignation of a minister, a deputy minister and two junior ministers causing a political crisis. As Berlusconi has no majority in the chamber of deputies it is likely that the no-confidence motion will force him to resign.
But as always we should treat Berlusconi resignation as inevitable. The departure of the four minsters has strangely strengthened the prime minister who can now lure the opposition with four open positions. However, we can look forward to an “exciting” time in Italy, which becomes the object of increasing laughter and mirth for the whole world.
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