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Most Italians Have Lost Confidence in Berlusconi
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - A majority of people in Italy express no confidence in Silvio Berlusconi, according to a poll by IPR Marketing published in La Repubblica. 55 per cent of respondents lack trust in their prime minister, up one point since June.
Italian voters renewed the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate in April 2008. Final results gave Berlusconi’s right-wing coalition—encompassing the Italian People of Freedom Party (PdL), the Northern League (LN), and the Movement for Autonomy (MPA)—344 seats in the lower house, and 174 seats in the upper house. The victory put an end to the government of the centre-left Union (Unione), headed by Romano Prodi.
Berlusconi was sworn in as the country’s new head of government in May 2008. He had previously served as prime minister from May 1994 to January 1995, and from June 2001 to May 2006.
In March 2009, the National Alliance (AN)—a political party with fascist roots—was officially dissolved and merged with Berlusconi’s PdL. The AN has been a steady supporter of the prime minister and was instrumental in Berlusconi’s latest electoral victory. AN leader Gianfranco Fini is the speaker of the Chamber of Deputies.
Since May, two members of Berlusconi’s cabinet have resigned: industry minister Claudio Scajola and minister without portfolio Aldo Brancher. Scajola stepped down over allegations of improper real-estate dealings, and Brancher was on trial in a case of embezzlement.
Berlusconi has served as interim industry minister since Scajola’s resignation. Published media reports have suggested that several business personalities have declined invitations to fill the position. On Jul. 22, Berlusconi assured that he "is close" to appointing a new leader for the industry portfolio, saying, "I can anticipate we will name a new [industry] minister by the end of next week."
Polling Data
Do you have confidence in Silvio Berlusconi?
|
|
Jul. 2010 |
Jun. 2010 |
May 2010 |
|
Yes |
39% |
41% |
41% |
|
No |
55% |
54% |
55% |
Source: IPR Marketing / La Repubblica
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 Italian adults, conducted from Jul. 17 to Jul. 19, 2010. No margin of error was provided.
