Italy grapples with Berlusconi's challenging aftermath
Silvio Berlusconi, a man who was a reflection of Italy - the good and the bad. This politician impacted his country more than any other since he was not only wealthy but also powerful. Even today, a year after his death, Italy grapples with the challenging political legacy he left behind. Some adore him, while others detest him.
Berlusconi Streets, Berlusconi Stamps, and Berlusconi Election Campaigning
Berlusconi tragically passed away in June 2023 at the age of 86. He's still a big part of Italy's political life. Places and streets are being named after him, and he's set to receive a stamp. His party, Forza Italia, in the European election campaign has his name styled in big letters with the title 'President.' Backed by leading candidate Antonio Tajani, Berlusconi can be seen on posters.
Berlusconi rejected building a future leader while alive, but now his party is aiming high. Forza Italia is trying to secure its survival in the right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Polls indicate it lands at a meager 8%, but at party events, Berlusconi is celebrated like a national hero, with the hymn "Thank God there's Silvio" playing in the background.
Inventor of modern populism
This Milan native had a knack for instilling excitement in those around him. Before politics, he was a media magnate, owning three TV stations and two newspapers. In the early 1990s, Berlusconi seized the opportunity from the mass Italian political corruption scandal and created his party, vowing to implement reforms. While many of these promises were unfulfilled, Italians remained loyal, electing him Italy's prime minister four times (1994-2011).
His actions left a mixed legacy: a high national debt, economic crisis, and unemployment. Renovations or modernization were rarely his focus.
But "Berlusconism," a contemporary form of populism, lives on in Italy, having a massive impact on politics and society. The remaining legacy involves the never-ending scandals and legal matters tied to the so-called 'Bunga-Bunga' affair concerning parties full of underage girls. With his money and media control, Berlusconi navigated these scandals over and over. People accuse him of corrupting Italy's political culture with his audacity.
Parallels between Berlusconi and Meloni
In the current Italian government, Forza Italia is the smallest party involved. However, parallels have been drawn between Meloni and her former prime minister Berlusconi. Menicucci, a columnist at "Il Messaggero," sees similarities in their communication with the public and press handling.
Berlusconi dominated the video message scene, sending numerous cassettes to TV stations to avoid uncomfortable questions in live interviews and talk shows. Meloni followed suit with her own video messages, like the "Giorgia's Notes" series on social media.
Similarities emerge in their staging as well. Berlusconi presented himself as close to the people, happily mingling with the crowd, and calling himself "Silvio" rather than President. Meloni campaigns similarly - a focus on the individual herself, with her brand "Giorgia," skyrocketing to the top.
Berlusconi's legacy in current politics
Despite the controversies surrounding Berlusconi, he remains a force in Italian politics. Even with critical commentary, the government dares to pay tribute, enacting a justice reform. This project, called the "Berlusconi Justice Reform," intends to increase the rights of the citizens, conduct psychological tests for judges and prosecutors, and strengthen the defense mechanism. It's clear Berlusconi's influence lives on.
Loved for his controversial nature, noted for his political, economic and personal decisions, and remembered for the scandals that rocked a country, Silvio Berlusconi will be remembered for shaping Italy in his image. A beloved or despised figure, his influence will linger for decades. There's no doubt that Italy is still feeling the presence of its former prime minister.
Critics and long-time adversaries of Berlusconi strongly condemn this tribute. They might have also been insulted by the suggestion shortly after Berlusconi's passing to name the upcoming bridge spanning Italy to Sicily after him. The bridge over the Strait of Messina was a beloved plan of his. The grand opening is scheduled for 2032. If the vote keeps his name, Berlusconi might be immortalized forever on the world's longest suspension bridge - provided it's finished before then.
"Il Messaggero" Newspaper (Italian)Song Lyrics "Meno male che Silvio c'è" (Thank God Silvio's Here)AGI Report (Italian)
