The actions of Mr Berlusconi would be laughable if he were the president of some tinpot Ruritarian banana republic. But he is not that. Italy is one of Europe's largest economies and its leader ought to be respected as an international statesman. Instead he is a morally bankrupt figure who, in the past, has been convicted and saved from jail only by appeals so protracted that the cases expired under Italian law. His idea that, after 2013, he could become the "father figure" for future centre-right coalitions is preposterous. That Mr Berlusconi cuts such a risible figure is a tragedy for Italy and for Europe.
The Indipendent online.
Una tragedia del piccolo schermo.