Berlusconi storms off set after row with TV presenter

[norml]

12/03/2006 - 6:32:32 PM

Berlusconi storms off set after row with TV presenter


Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi stormed off the set of a state TV show today, branding the journalist interviewing him as a leftist, two days before a planned debate between the conservative leader and election challenger Romano Prodi.

“I’m getting up and leaving if you don’t let me answer. Is that clear?” the premier and media magnate said curtly when the programme’s host, Lucia Annunziata, insisted he answer he questions.

Annunziata, a long-time Berlusconi foe, resigned in 2004 as the head of state broadcaster RAI, alleging that forces loyal to Berlusconi’s government were trying to control the broadcaster. Berlusconi’s three Mediaset networks are the main private TV rivals to RAI’s three channels.

Annunziata now conducts a 30-minute newsmaker interview programme on RAI called “In a half-hour.” But on today, Berlusconi walked out after 20 minutes.

When Berlusconi warned that he would leave if Annunziata demanded answers, she said: “I ask you not to go,” and told the premier, “you can’t dictate the rules.”


snip


http://www.irishexaminer.com/breaking/story.asp?j=202896695&p=zxz8975yx&n=202897581&x=

[Greeby]

1. Get worried about possible indictment Silvio?

:nopity:

[norml]

6. Berlusconi Calls for Reform of Judiciary

Berlusconi Calls for Reform of Judiciary

By FRANCES D'EMILIO
The Associated Press
Saturday, March 11, 2006; 9:06 PM


ROME -- Facing the possibility of a new trial, Premier Silvio Berlusconi denounced Italy's judiciary as a danger to democracy and promised changes to the system as he tries to hold on to the premiership in next month's election.

Italian prosecutors are "the disease of our democracy," Berlusconi said on a late-night talk show that ended early Saturday.

The judiciary "should be changed," said the conservative leader, who for years has blamed his legal troubles on magistrates he contends sympathize with the left.

Only hours earlier, Milan prosecutors sought the indictment of the media mogul on corruption charges. Prosecution efforts stemming from other investigations of his business empire dealings either have ended in acquittal or been thwarted by the expiration of statute of limitations.

Berlusconi has denied any wrongdoing.

It could take weeks for a judge to rule in the request.


snip


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/11/AR2006031101490.html

[lovuian]

2. Bingo!!! Only wants PR not have to answer REAL questions

His time is running out....... Everybody who has hung with Bush has slowly politically died...

[alcibiades_mystery]

3. Weirdly, Berlusconi increasingly reminds me of my Italian father

I love the guy (my father), but damn if there wasn't something weird in the water for people of that age who grew up in conservative families in Italy. His postures, gestures, and mannerisms are dead on with my Dad (I never call my Dad "Dad," except to Americans). I can totally see my father doing this - thrusting his chin up, threatening to leave, asking, in that belittling fashion "Claro?" It's totally in line with a whole form of Italian behavior.

[Union Thug]

4. Why don't American reporters take on the Bushie's like this?

[formercia]

5. Ah, Silvo, the old Crusader

send your boys to fight a hopeless Holy War, grovel at the shoes of the anti-christ and you wonder why?

[bemildred]

7. Is he still celibate?

What does he screw anyway?

[davidinalameda]

8. the Italian people

[formercia]

9. He's saving up to screw them really good after the election.

[PurityOfEssence]

10. Money is the worldwide god

Any takers?

[formercia]

11. My money is better than your money. :)