Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian prime minister and president of the governing party Forza Italia, has caused another scandal with misogynistic statements. Italian parliamentarians reacted indignantly to the words of the media magnate, who at a Christmas party had promised the footballers of his club AC Monza a “bus full of whores” if they won the next league games.
“Berlusconi lives in his memories. He still does not realize that the times when he humiliated and bought women are over. Today certain jokes only belittle those who make them. And they all remind us that Berlusconi bears a great responsibility when he feeds the macho idea of women as prizes or hunting trophies,” said South Tyrolean People’s Party (SVP) senator Julia Unterberger.
Former Chamber of Deputies President Laura Boldrini called de Cavaliere’s words a “disgrace”, especially given that they came from a senator and the leader of a ruling party. Just a few months ago, the right-wing parties had put forward Berlusconi as a candidate for the post of president, Boldrini criticized.
“Shame on all Italians”
Criticism also came from Marco Grimaldi, deputy chairman of the leftist party Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra. “Senator, former prime minister and candidate for president of the republic months ago: Berlusconi is a disgrace to all Italians. We will never get used to this misogyny and vulgarity,” Grimaldi said.
Former Turin mayor and MP Chiara Appendino addressed Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s first female prime minister and an ally of Berlusconi. “I ask Meloni what she thinks of this disgusting vulgarity. Do we accept this message? Is it permissible for women to be seen as sex objects, for prizes to be sold as commodities in the marketplace? I hope that Meloni and all the men and women of Forza Italia will refrain from uttering these words.”
According to Berlusconi: “Absolute lack of humour”
According to Ilaria Donatio, top politician of the opposition Più Europa, Berlusconi has a problem with women. “He flaunts his love for them, but in reality he has always despised them since he has been in the public eye with his amorous admirers,” she said.
Berlusconi was not impressed by the protests. The fact that his “manly joke” caused so much outrage shows the “absolute lack of humour” of his critics, who he nevertheless wishes a Merry Christmas, according to the 86-year-old.
Source: Krone
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