Beyond Borders: Berlusconi’s verbal diarrhea

Despite being such a prominent figure, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is notorious for his verbal gaffes. His most notorious remarks have been directed at women such as claiming that Italy’s right-wing female politicos are more attractive than those on the left or that he would cheat on his wife with a government minister who was a former topless model.

Berlusconi once again targeted women in his latest (and possibly most ugly) utterances yesterday:

While campaigning for local elections in Sardinia Sunday, Berlusconi was asked by reporters to comment about an interior ministry proposal to deploy troops on city streets after a series of sexual assaults on women.

"We can't think of deploying a large force," Berlusconi said. "We would have to send as many soldiers as there are beautiful girls. And I don't think we would manage"…

Later, Berlusconi said he meant his remarks as “a compliment."

"Women have to be defended," he said. (Sexual violence) "is a trauma that remains for life."

The Italian leader’s words were rightfully attacked by feminist groups and opposition politicos. “Berlusconi would do better to stay silent rather than make offensive remarks about women,” said shadow Minister for Equal Opportunities Vittoria Franco.

Berlusconi returned to power last April; he and his allies have been accused of unfairly blaming immigrants for rising crime levels in and around Rome. His polices have received widespread criticism including from residents of a small town that houses a new detention center.

(Hat tip: Mikeb302000).

Image- Times Online
Online Sources- Times Online, BBC News, AFP, UPI, CNN, Reuters, Mikeb302000