20.04.2008
April 16, 2008 (the date of publication in Russian)
Alexander Rudakov
DON SILVIO'S REVENGE
Russia's friend back to power in Italy
Silvio Berlusconi's People of Liberty coalition has won the elections to both houses of the Italian Parliament. This outcome is good news for Russia. Berlusconi is one of the few European politicians who consistently supported Russia's policy in the Caucasus, openly displayed accord with Russia in European debates over gas deliveries, as well as in other situations in which Russia had to withstand strong pressure from outside.
Berlusconi's return to the post of Prime Minister of a G-8 member country provides hope for prevention of a "new Cold War" between the West and Russia, and for a constructive Russia-EU rapprochement.
On the other hand, Berlusconi attracts Russian sympathies not only due to his independence from mainstream prejudice against Russia. His domestic policy line is equally important, representing a useful example for Russia with its yet not quite shaped political system.
Berlusconi is broadly believed to have created a new style of European policy. With his bright charisma, he is much different from stiff Eurobureaucrats like his recent rival Romano Prodi. Many politicians now try to imitate his political style and moreover, his independent manner of behavior – particularly, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, whose impromptu, however, serves not always for the benefit of his own.
We highly appreciate Berlusconi for his inclination for maintaining his nation's cultural and historical identity. Though being a secular politician, he shares the traditional Christian concept of a human, finding common language with his religious compatriots who promote Christian values in policy and public life. In an accord with them, he firmly objected to attempts to impose "non-traditional" views of family and marriage, and protected the right for “life before birth".
Though being a political centrist, akin to moderate US Republicans, Berlusconi struck a political alliance with Italian nationalists, not fearing of ostracism on the EU level, and managed to instrumentalize the rightists for constructive political work, simultaneously broadening his electoral base.
Due to Berlusconi's vigorous activity, Italy has acquired a political force consolidating the right flank of the political spectrum and guaranteeing a level of political stability unavailable since World War II. His complete tenure of Prime Minister in 2001-2005 was an all-time political record in the post-war Italy.
Belonging to the circle of richest Italians, Berlusconi used his fortune for the service to the national idea. His political biography represents a useful lesson for the Russian rich that think of a higher role in national public policy.
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