Wednesday, February 16, 2011



Maybe this time II

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been formally indicted on charges of sex with an underage prostitute and abuse of power. He will go on trial in April, and faces 15 years imprisonment if convicted. While he'll no doubt try some of the same tricks - impunity laws, gutting the justice system - he has used to escape conviction in the past, he may not have the Parliamentary majority to force such changes through anymore. His coalition partners have grown tired of his dirt, and the prosecution will likely spark further defections as politicians and parties seek to distance themselves. Given the narrowness of his majority - Berlusconi's coalition has already been significantly eroded by his scandals - he may very well end up losing power. If so, it will be good riddance.