Berlo mired in controversy yet again

Berlusconi has described regional elections at the end of March as a crucial test. But they have been overshadowed by a new scandal that involves sex, bribes and the mercenary exploitation of the earthquake that struck the town of L’Aquila in April last year, killing 307.

At the time, Berlusconi’s handling of the reconstruction process was seen as proof of a can-do spirit and was widely viewed as his greatest triumph since re-election in 2008. But transcripts obtained by magistrates through wire-taps have led to allegations that one of his political allies swapped rebuilding contracts for sexual favours. And the public outcry shows no sign of abating. According to the transcripts, two building contractors boasted that ties to the government would win them lucrative work. “I was laughing at 3.30 am in bed this morning,” said Francesco de Vito Piscicelli, referring to the precise time of the tragedy.

The magistrates wiretapped Piscicelli and have now arrested three public officials and a contractor. Twenty-seven people are under probe, including Guido Bertolaso, the head of Italy’s civil protection agency, who is often seen at Berlusconi’s side.

“These magistrates should be ashamed of themselves,” was Berlusconi’s first, furious reaction. But as newspapers filled with accounts of bribes and favours affecting millions of euros of contracts, the prime minister has retreated into an uncharacteristic silence. Quake survivors have marched holding banners reading “I wasn’t laughing”. According to  polls, the number of Italians dissatisfied with Berlusconi has risen to a new high of 52 per cent.

Bertolaso has insisted that the alleged “sexual favour” was no more than a massage, but admitted: “I may not have checked things well enough.”
Magistrates allege that contractors such as Piscicelli profited as the civil protection agency’s power to issue contracts for emergencies was extended to construction projects for Rome’s hosting of the 2009 world swimming championships and next year’s 150th anniversary of the founding of the Italian state.