Verdict went ‘against the will of the people’

A DEFIANT Berlusconi, already weakened by a sex scandal, has vowed to stay despite the ruling by the constitutional court, which he called a political organ.

His lawyer, Niccolo Ghedini, said the verdict went “against the will of the people” who elected him to a third term last year.

But other centre-right politicians will be more reluctant to attack the country’s highest court, whose judges are usually considered untouchable above the political fray.

Are early elections an option?

Before the verdict, some members of the ruling centre-right coalition had speculated he may be tempted to step down and hold early elections in case of an unfavourable ruling – basically asking voters to overrule the court.

His popularity rating has been eroded by the sex scandal but at around 50% still remains strong for the leader of a country suffering its worst recession since World War Two.

And the opposition centre left is still reeling from last year’s election defeat and appears in no position to capitalise on his woes.

However, one of Berlusconi’s key coalition partners, Northern League leader Umberto Bossi, said neither he nor parliament speaker Gianfranco Fini, another crucial ally, backed the option of a snap poll.

Bossi spoke instead of “mobilising the people” in the streets in a show of public support for the prime minister.

“Even if they decide to call an early election to give Berlusconi new legitimacy, his judicial problems will remain,” said Franco Pavoncello, professor of Political Science at John Cabot Universityin Rome.

Which trials is Berlusconi facing?

Wednesday’s ruling is set to reopen at least two trials against Berlusconi, including a high-profile one where he is accused of bribing British lawyer David Mills to give false testimony to protect his businesses.

The second sees Berlusconi accused of tax fraud and false accounting in the purchase of TV rights by his Mediaset group.

What are the consequences for the economy?

Already damaged by revelations that prostitutes attended parties at his home, Berlusconi is now even more likely to steer clear of unpopular reforms that Italy’s economy badly needs.

“Berlusconi was already a lame duck at the head of a weak government because of the scandals around his personal life... (Now) he will be less inclined or able to focus on any reform effort,” said Tito Boeri, economics professor at Milan’s Bocconi university.