Italy's Berlusconi burnt by fiery temper

[UpInArms]

http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?guid=%7BC11740F6%2D2221%2D4223%2DA228%2DF6F649A7C16F%7D&dist=newsfinder&symbol=&siteid=mktw

LONDON (MarketWatch) -- It's a sure sign of campaign trouble when even a politician's closest allies start turning against him.

In the last ten days, Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister seeking re-election next month, has experienced just that, alienating media and business pals alike with his hot-headedness.

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And Berlusconi isn't just clashing with reporters and business leaders, he's engaging even his traditional supporters.

<snip>

He said government bureaucracy and spending have increased during the past five years.

"For each public office that was closed, four new ones have been opened. We can't go on like this," Montezemolo said, adding state spending has risen to 48.5% of gross domestic product.

...more...

[MADem]

1. He's behind in the polls, and counting on mail-in absentee ballots

to push him over the top. No doubt he's taken election guidance from the White House. He pushed through the rule change to permit mail-in ballots....coincidence? I think not!!!

[kenny blankenship]

2. Maybe we'll have to pass the HIVA

(Help Italians Vote Act) and send them a bunch of Diebold eballot gizmos, so Italy can cast their vote with the reich results. I mean with the right results.

[WhiteTara]

3. these guys keep forgetting they aren't dictators

oh wait! They are! It's just the populace keeps forgetting they are slaves and it makes them soooo mad! It is amazing that the wave of corrupt country leaders that have taken over so called civilized world, all with the same war mongering, looting agenda. If we lose this epic battle, then all is lost for humanity and there really won't be anyplace to hide.

[donsu]

4. they think he is going to have a nervous breakdown (link)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/italy/story/0,,1735750,00.html


Berlusconi 'on verge of a breakdown' in clash of the tycoons


Two of Italy's richest men were at loggerheads yesterday after the chief executive of a multimillion-pound shoe empire claimed the country's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

"Mr Berlusconi is a tired man. His family should take him home and take care of him," said Diego Della Valle, the head of Tod's shoes.

His comments follow an outburst by Mr Berlusconi at a meeting of the country's business leaders in Vicenza at the weekend, in which he claimed entrepreneurs who supported the left had "skeletons in their cupboard" and had something to hide. The brunt of the prime minister's tirade was directed at Mr Della Valle, an old adversary, who was seated near the front of the hall. He shouted back that Mr Berlusconi should be ashamed of himself, and at one point both men were jabbing their fingers at each other.
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[baby_mouse]

5. I'm surprised this sort of thing doesn't happen all the time. NT