After a series of events that led to the overturn of Prime Minister Berlusconi’s government as well as the state’s standoff with the U.S. over the results of a U.S. murder investigation in Iraq, Berlusconi has now regained composure and is once again defending his past decisions, his role as leader, and his support for U.S. collaboration in Iraq.
Although Berlusconi had disputed the official findings of the U.S. military investigation that declared no misconduct among the soldiers who were responsible for the death of top Italian security agent Nicola Calipari in Baghdad last March, he also emphasised that the incident has not changed the positive relationship between Italy and the United States. Berlusconi reiterated that he has no intention of withdrawing the 3,000 Italian troops that have been sent to Iraq in collaboration with the American intervention.
In an appearance last weekend to support the candidacy of his personal doctor for Mayor of Catania, Berlusconi also hit back at those questioning his competency as leader and the success of his governing.In defence of his inability to control skyrocketing infl ation, Berlusconi stated that it is impossible for the government to control prices in a free market and that it was up to citizens to refuse to buy products if they believed they were being overcharged.
The PM also repeated that he would continue with his much contested plans for the construction of the bridge over the Strait of Messina, which would connect the Italian mainland to Sicily.
And, in an attempt to promote his most recent political endeavour, Berlusconi also reiterated his push for a single party system. Even with the refusal of support from his closest allies, the Northern League, he defended it as the only way for the Italian government to continue.
Finally, in response to insinuations that he would not run again in the 2006 elections, Berlusconi claimed that he was still up to any challenge and was definitely not yet out of the race. Opposition leaders responded to Berlusconi’s series of announcements by noting that he always attempts to make a comeback.
