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Berlusconi wife shames him for ‘trashy’ models idea — by email
Nick Pisa29.04.09
Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's plan to put forward female models and TV stars as prospective MEPs today incurred the wrath of his wife.
Veronica Lario, 52, sent an email to Italy's national news agency ANSA, saying the idea was “shameless trash” and was “in the name of power”.
Mr Berlusconi revealed that for June's European elections he wanted “youthful new faces” and named four female stars with no political experience — soap actress Camilla Ferranti, 30, TV star Eleonora Gaggiolo, 29, ex-Big Brother contestant Angela Sozio, 31, and former Miss Italy candidate Barbera Matera, 28.
In her email Ms Lario wrote: “Someone wrote that all this is to sustain the enjoyment of the Emperor. I agree with this.”
Today Mr Berlusconi did not comment directly on his wife's outburst but said: “I don't see what the problem is if a candidate has a degree and can speak two or three languages. Just because she has been on TV why should she be excluded from politics?”
It is the second time Ms Lario has made a statement on her husband. Two years ago she demanded — and got — a public apology after he told one actress he would marry her if he wasn't already married and told another he would run away with her.
Reader views (5)
berlusconi is the best prime minister Italy has ever had . he has been the only prime minister that i recall in my life time that fulfill all he says an on time . the left parties in Italy should be shame of the constant attacks on hes private life ,if they continue this terrible an and sleazy way of attacks to the prime minister the ITALIAN people in the next election will completly punish them and the left wings parties will be decimated viva silvio berlusconia real ITALIAN man.
- Umberto Marvuglia, vancouver canada
Answering to Mark, London: Do you have any direct knowledge about italian politics (including Italy's recent history)? The question should be instead: what has Europe done for Italy?
- Sofia, Milan, Milan
It's ironic that this middle-aged man with his dyed hair, raised shoe and 1970's attitude of 'wooing the ladies'... is the leader of a Country that has such a rich history.
Like I've always said... Glory... It can be snatched away in an instant
- Paul, Bromley
At least the Italian PM wants women to be elected, unlike Cameron who wants only male Tory candidates
- Keith Price, Luton, England
Everytime i see Berlusconi's name in the paper i prepare myself to be shocked. Has this leader ever done anything good for Italy or Europe ?
- Mark, London
