Berlusconi sparks outrage with Nazi jibe

ITALIAN prime minister Silvio Berlusconi triggered a diplomatic row yesterday when he compared a German MEP to a Nazi during Italy’s six-month start of the EU presidency.

To the horror of MEPs, he told a German parliamentarian he would be ideal in the role of a Nazi concentration camp commandant, and he accused Green MEPs of being "tourists of democracy".

Fellow MEPs hurled abuse at Mr Berlusconi and thumped their desks in the European Parliament Chamber in dismay.

There were concerns last night that the incident could threaten the future of his right-wing coalition government.

Mr Berlusconi's vice prime minister Gianfranco Fini was visibly shaken at the remarks, and later criticised the outburst on Italian media.

The incident arose when the leader of the German Socialist group in the Parliament, Martin Schulz, criticised the Italian reform minister Umberto Bossi for saying immigrants arriving into Italy on boats should be shot at.

Mr Schulz also referred to the fact that as an MEP, Mr Berlusconi had immunity from prosecution, which meant the Spanish authorities could not question him about tax evasion by one of his companies.

The AC Milan owner responded by saying that a film was being produced in Italy about Nazi concentration camps.

"I would like to suggest you for the role of the leader. You would be perfect for that role," he told Mr Schulz.

The leader of the Socialists, the largest political grouping in the Parliament, said Mr Berlusconi's outburst showed disrespect for the institution and created a diplomatic crisis.

"I do not think we will be able to continue working with the council as though nothing has happened," said Enrique Baron Crespo.

European Parliament President Pat Cox told Mr Berlusconi he had gone beyond what was acceptable in the house and asked him to withdraw his remarks.

However, the multi-billionaire media magnate refused, saying he was simply being ironic, blaming the translation of his words and finally saying he had nothing to apologise for.

He created uproar in the European Parliament when he shouted insults and abuse at the many MEPs who criticised him.

They responded by booing, hissing and beating their desks.

MEP after MEP referred to Mr Berlusconi's track record in Italy, where he introduced a law just weeks ago granting him immunity from corruption charges.

They accused him of using his political position to further his own personal aims, and warned that they would not tolerate him doing the same in his position as EU president in office.

Time after time they referred to his conflict of interest he owns most of Italy's commercial televisions stations and accused him of trying to make Europe subservient to the US.

The low-sized, permanently tanned lawyer sat through the three-hour debate, desperately scribbling notes and at times seething visibly at the criticisms.

The Italian prime minister is already under pressure from his other coalition partner, reform minister Umberto Bossi.

The xenophobic Mr Bossi has threatened to resign from government unless tough action is taken to keep out immigrants.