Italy: Berlusconi's Megalomania
(Shouts of "People" and "Silvio" ...)
0 `09 OT Silvio Berlusconi, Italian. Prime Minister (Victor)
"Let me tell you, I am the best Prime Minister Italy has ever had. I can say that on the basis of what I achieved for Italy in the past and also what I am doing for Italy now. The Italians are aware of that and showing me their confidence and admiration with 68.4 per cent of their vote. "
0 `38 Silvio Berlusconi does not want to let his followers down. His plans for the future are grand; his projects enormous. He is after all “the best prime Minister”.
0 `50 It is on this strait where Silvio Berlusconi plans to build a monument that will make his name go down in history. He is setting out to achieve what many great men have yet failed to do. Once, the ancient Greek Archimedes calculated the construction of a bridge between mainland Italy and Sicily. A few hundred years later the Romans were also keen to attempt the project. Yet they all failed. Still today the only connection between mainland and the Island are the boats. All kinds of freight and passengers are loaded daily onto these outdated ferries – it is a time consuming and costly operation.
1 `28 Berlusconi is setting out to built the worlds longest and highest suspension bridge ... 3 km of road floating above the sea, with enough capacity for 6000 vehicles per hour and 200 trains per day.
A masterpiece of engineering? Or a risky, perhaps even impossible endeavour, driven by the prime ministers vanity? Experts have voiced their concerns. The local population rejects the idea.
2 `02 “To understand the great scepticism among the local population towards the planned super-bridge, one only needs to drive along this highway in the direction of Reggio di Calabria. Many ask how the state can build such a dangerous and big bridge, the biggest and longest suspension bridge in the world, if he was not even able in two decades to bring this highway to European level.”
2 `28 It seems that Berlusconi has conveniently over looked the geological characteristics of the area. The planned location for the super bridge is extremely prone to earthquakes. The population is worried and rightly so. Misconduct of construction building in the past has already caused massive floods, which led to 27 deaths.
2 `47 citizen associations, trade unions, and left-wing parties demonstrate repeatedly against the super bridge. Only the wealthier industrial north of Italy will benefit, while the poor south will continue holding out for urgently needed investments. The Bridge might bring mainland and Island together but creates a bigger divide between the north and south.
3 `10 Environmentalists warn about the destruction of vast amounts of coastal area by the proposed bridge. In addition, every reasonable type of infrastructure is absent in Calabria and Sicily: such as roads, urban bypasses, railroads - the bridge would be as out of place as a skyscraper in the desert.
3 `33 OT-Anna Giordano, WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)
"If I have been going by train in Sicily from Trapani to Palermo and it took me three hours to go one hundred kilometres, what is the point of building a bridge between Sicily and Calabria? What about a modern ship? I could make the trip in twenty minutes instead of the current 45-50. Where is the logic here? It's as if I had an apartment with no kitchen, no bathroom, it rains into the room because the roof is missing, but I spend lots of money and get a pool. "
4 `08 But Silvio simply has a weakness for monumental buildings. His public appearances are often set in grand historical houses or even castles. Recently, when speaking to the people in his home town of Milan, he chose the palace of its former ruler Francesco Sforza.
4` 24 Rosario Adamo and his daughter were excited to see Berlusconi speak at such a grand venue. They are both ardent supporters of the “Presidente” as the head of state is called in Italy.
4 `41" Luckily, we have Silvio," says his campaign. But Silvio also knows what he owes to his supporters.
5 `00 In his speech Berlusconi sets the scene by ranting against his favourite opponents – the communists and left wingers, that want to see him fall. He then goes on to talk of the major role he played in the battle to halt the financial crisis. !!! (bring up with emma)
5 `09 OT Silvio Berlusconi, Italian Prime Minister
"It was the Italian prime minister, who in Paris, persuaded his colleagues in the Eastern States to rescue their banks - otherwise there would have been a catastrophe ... and then it was this same prime minister who flew to Washington and after watching how the American government didn’t lift a finger as Lehman Brothers went bankrupt,. It was him that convinced them the next day to use seven hundred billion to save four hundred other banks! "
6 `00 It is the day after Berlusconi’s public appearance, Rosario Adamo is still elated. He can’t stop talking about it on the way to drop off his younger daughter at school. His family live 40 miles outside of Milan and Rosario commutes daily. He is a railway computer specialist.... His workplace is the massive central station of Milan, established under Mussolini. For years the left wing party had a (strong hold) over the railway worker. Now the majority shares Rosario’s respect for the President. A development that makes the computer specialist very pleased. What do they admire? - Silvio Berlusconi was already a successful business man when he turned to politics. His mission? – to save the country from the left wing.
Rosario Adamo and his colleagues have complete trust in Berlusconi’s politics.
6 `53 OT-Rosario Adamo, computer specialist
"When he speaks he speaks clarity, calmness and confidence. These are the three things the public wants: confidence, peace, and clarity.
7 `05 OT-Giuseppe A. Lardieri, an official (MARK)
" He has the ability to convince us! He has a confidence that comes from within.... Look at today’s newspapers ... Obama lacks charisma to be a commanding leader. An insecure person cannot lead a country. Machiavelli already said: one cannot rule a country with the heart, but the head. "
7 `36 OT-FRAGE I
"Others say, Berlusconi is an authoritarian, a dictator, that he leads his party like his own enterprise.
7 `49 OT-Rosario Adamo, computer specialist (VICTOR)
"Authoritarian, yes that's right. It takes authority to govern a country. He is an authoritarian with the determination to achieve something. His commitment has always been to the good of the country ...He is a creator - a creator of ideas, an architect of the nation, a builder of roads, highways, railways – All he wants is to improve Italy!
8 `20 Despite the praise, Berlusconi’s opponents predominate and their numbers are rising.. Nanni Morretti, a well respected Italian Film director and outspoken leftist has become the predecessor for the anti-Berlusconi campaign. By organising mass events like human chains and processions, he has captured the mood of Italians intellectuals.
8 `48 But it was Italian legend Adriano Celentano who brought the anti Berlusconi sentiment onto state TV. In a spectacular evening show, for which he demanded complete artistic freedom he gathered the country’s most well known entertainers, comedians and singers, including Roberto Benigni, Oscar-winner and artful humorist.
The outcome – a satirical feast, a lavish attack against the president and his dogmatic politics.
9 `32 OT-Roberto Benigni, comedian and filmmaker (MARK)
"Berlusconi, where are you? Where is he? Ah, he sits in front of the television and writes a new list of who should no longer appear... stop Silvio, stop - you know that we like you. We all know that when a comedian makes fun of a politician, this makes him popular, it helps him. And I am here today because I want to help you, Silvio ... I'm here because I want to help my little Silviuccio !!!..."
10 `15 Suddenly another TV show appeared on the RAI ...
Subtitles Mussolini:
Do you want medals?
or recognition?
A comfortable life?
is there anything impossible for you?
Berlusconi Subtitles:
Do you want your homes to be bugged?
Do you the left wingers to opens the doors to foreigners?
Do you want the left wingers to abuse the justice system for its political battles?
Do you want cock-fighting and mockery on the television that is paid for by us?
11: 09 OT-Michele Santoro, TV presenter
"Dear President Napolitano, we have not yet reached fascism in Italy again, but much of what I see around us resembles it"
11: 23
The TV Producer Michele Santaro has always been a thorn in Berlusconi’s side, as a result the producer has often been the victim of harsh censorship. In a two hour long satirical TV spectacle Santaro and his celebrity guests take aim at their president.
The show's highlight, a sketch by comedian Daniele Luttazzi: Berlusconi and Italy, compared anal sex. Hard to believe but it was approved by the Italian media authority.
11:52 OT-Daniele Luttazzi, comedian
"Phase 1: the woman is on her knees, your Willie exerts pressure on her arsehole, but it puts up a tough resistance... (pause)... .. How are you doing darling?
11 `03 Phase 2.this is even more painful. But then penetration happens. And then phase 3 only joy and pleasure! And this is where Italy is stuck with Berlusconi.
12 `45 Berlusconi’s behaviour is considered so arrogant he is likened to Roman emperors and popes. This is what has brought distinguished intellectuals in Rome to the conclusion that Italy nowadays is living under a regime. The famous novelist Dacia Maraini, supports this argument:
13 `04 OT-Dacia Maraini, author DANIELA KONG)
"Yes, it is a kind of regime in terms of the concentration and ownership of the media. This Mr. B. owns three TV stations and in addition, controls three public broadcasters too. We have already seen him in action as he has thrown out journalists and as he appoints the Director of RAI UNO. This is a completely abnormal concentration of power that cannot be accepted. It is not so much about censorship, but rather a question of style. The TV programs are vulgar, barbaric, and completely commercialized. The viewer feels as if he is always watching a television commercial. "
13’54’’ As if the world was one single commercial – that is how Silvio Berlusconi sees it and treats the women he deals with.
OPEN BRIEFLY
14’17’’ Whether it is on TV or in politics – Berlusconi surrounds himself only with the young and the beautiful. It comes as no surprise that Italy's Minister of women's rights is former showgirl Mara Carfagna. But she is in good company with numerous models holding posts as Ministers and political delegates.
14.53 These paparazzi photos, taken at Berlusconi’s Villa on the Island of Sardinia created just another headline about his womanising.
15.05 Yet, the latest scandal is a serious scandal, even for Berlusconi. The girl in question was under age. The Moroccan dancer was arrested by police under suspicion of theft. But Ruby claims that the President gave her the seven thousand Euros when dancing for him at one of his Bunga Bunga parties. These parties, Ruby explains, were like rituals in which Berlusconi surrounds himself with his Harem of woman from TV, politics and some escort girls to round up the number. But Silvio looks after his girls. In the case of Ruby, he picks up the phone himself to call the police and demands her release, claiming the young Moroccan is the niece of the Egyptian President Mubarak.
16 `21 And a few days later, comes the next revelation. The professional call-girl Nadia Macri has also been a guest at Bunga Bunga and wants to share her experience with the police and the public. In an enormous three thousand page long testament she reveals how Berlusconi frequently flies in call girls and drugs. But it seems like he forgot to pay her.
16`45 The revelations about Berlusconi’s Life style come as no surprise, Nadia Macri only confirmed old rumours with her statements: Berlusconi surrounds himself with young, beautiful women and if they are “good “ to him, he rewards them with a career in Television or, depending on their talent, makes them a Minister of his Parliament.
13 `55 Strong reactions from all sides :The Italian Family Association is outraged even rejecting Berlusconi as a speaker for an important event. The Archbishop of Milan, Tettamazzi spoke of moral decay - it is like the plague came over Milan again.
And Berlusconi...points his finger again at his favourite scapegoat: It’s the left wingers of course, the left wing media concocted the story to bring down Italy’s best ever president.
17 `07 OT - Silvio Berlusconi, Italian. Prime Minister (Victor)
"I carry a lot of responsibility and so what if I sometimes like to look at a beautiful woman, at least I am not gay.
17.20 Who ever crossed Berlusconi in the past had to deal with the consequences, which happens most of the time publicly.
17.35 Berlosconi is no fan of provocations, whether it is considered art or print. When the newspaper “Il Giornale” published provocative articles directed at him, the presidente. He simply bought the whole newspaper, sacked the Editor in Chief; and turned the once prestigious newspaper into a propaganda journal. He turned something ‘inconvenient’ into the canvas to propagate his politically incorrect statements. The new Editor in Chief, Vittorio Feltri, knows that it works with the public to be politically incorrect.
18:05 OT - Vittorio Feltri, editor in chief" Il Giornale ")
SLOWLY
"Yes, that is actually the strength of Berlusconi: to be politically incorrect. Because most people - the real people, those who work and have problems – they feel, they don’t care about political correctness; on the contrary they consider it a nuisance. By being politically incorrect Berlusconi becomes one of them. He uses simple, direct language and makes them feel that he is one of the guys in the Pub. In contrast to the so called posh people, the working class likes his mannerism. They feel he is connecting with them.
19:01 Berlusconi is successful because he does not dread the common people, while the left is terrified of them!"
19:10 While some find Berlusconi’s escapades amusing, the left wing do not and take action - bringing hundreds of thousands to the streets to demonstrate against his policies, claiming they have caused dramatic consequences for Italy - austerity, low income, high unemployment and more poverty.
19:38’’ Like here In Porto Torres, Sardinia, by shutting down a large chemical plant and the main employer of the Island; the workers are left in devastation. The plant did not produce enough profit. The former workers created this graveyard to demonstrate against those who they consider responsible: the management and the politicians.
20’05, To reach the rather unusual place, where the group of activists makes their stand, one has to take the ferry. On board former plant worker Antonio Salaris explains his desperate situation.
20’20 OT - Antonio Salaris, worker (MARK)
"I really want to get married next year, but it probably will not happen. After three years of work, I am now already registered in the work compensation fund.”
20’42’’ Asinara – 10 years ago this small island in the north of Sardinia was the Italian Alcatraz. This abandoned high-security prison has since become the platform for the workers protest. They imprisoned themselves here to draw attention to their hopeless situation.
20’56’’ OT - Pietro Marongiu, worker (VICTOR)
"We have chosen this type of protest because that we did not want innocent people to be inconvenienced, for example, by the blockade of airports, ports and streets ... no.
21’16’’ Pietro Marongiu shows how the protestors have settled into the former prison cells. He has worked 35 years in the chemical plant and is now the charismatic leader of the protest; A protest which became a nationwide phenomenon. The story has spread via the Internet and these Sardinian workers have become the heroes of the resistance. The two dozen squatters are regularly visited by their families. Pietro's wife, Margerita has been on the island for months and it is taking its toll on her.
21’58’’ OT-Margerita Marongiu (DANIELA)
"I still hope that it will end well ....but do I miss the kids when I am not with them.... "
22’26 It their personal fight for justice that motivates the workers to keep going. Although their overall outlook is grim.
22’38’’ OT - Pietro Marongiu, workers (VICTOR)
"Italy is going down the drain. The rulers have to seriously get to work! . ... ... But instead the gentleman goes out to dine – how come nobody has ever intervened. Although Italy is destroyed, they go out to dine That can’t be right, that is not right. "
23:05 But it is not just the working class affected by unemployment. Ivana Vitalini is a classically trained actress and in the past had many engagements with Italy’s most prestigious theatres. But now she is just one of the many academics that try to make a living by taking on the odd temp job.
23:33 OT - Ivana Vitaliti, actress (Daniela)
slowly
"I have had no work that has anything to do with my training, nothing ....Recently I worked in a call-centre for a large telephone company as a customer service representative.
At least it helps me with my voice training.
Most of the time I do IT work.
But I never get a proper contract, no security and the pay is bad, really bad..
24:26 Ivana is forced to share this apartment with several other academics, also out of work. The reason? Ivana blames the drastic government cutbacks in Education and culture. The reality has hit her hard and made her cynical about Berlusconi’s government.
24’46’’ OT - Ivana Vitaliti, actress (Daniela)
"Whether there is any degree of intent, I do not know, but they always say that the less the people know, the more they are kept ignorant, the easier they are ruled."
25’02’’ Since Mussolini all judicial palaces in Italy look the same - these are the halls that Berlusconi really fears. More than a hundred times he has been sued - he stresses his victimhood – and yet there have only been a dozen proceedings. Three cases of corruption and bribing judges are still pending. A conspiracy of the left wing, of course - Berlusconi’s answer to everything.
25’36’’ OT Silvio Berlusconi, Italian. Prime Minister (Victor)
"It is clear that by throwing dirt on the Prime Minister, we tarnish the whole country, that this president must represent!"
25:47 So far Berlusconi has escaped conviction. Luckily he could tailor the law to suit his needs and with that he was able to lift his own convictions, And if that wasn’t possible he just changed the limitation period. Problem solved!
26:07 His appearances in court are always a public spectacle.
26:19 Brotherly kisses with party leader Gianfranco Fini - that was in March 2009 when they merged their parties into the "People of Freedom" party. Berlusconi had made the ex-fascists acceptable among politicians. But after only one year - the break up, Berlusconi was too authoritarian; completely rule abiding...Fini is astonished.
26:40 OT - Gianfranco Fini, President of the Chamber of Deputies (MARK)
"How can you with a stroke of a pencil cancel six hundred thousand processes – covered up amnesty! - and then talk of judicial reform and fight against the politicization of justice?”
27:01 Berlusconi’s response was again harsh. His ex-partner Fini had to leave his position as President of the Chamber of Deputies.
27:16 Fini demands Berlusconi’s resignation; that is the only answer to a government in crisis .Berlusconi no longer holds a majority.
27:37 The ex-public prosecutor Antonio Di Pietro has also set his sights on the President. The feared prosecutor 15 years ago put half the political elite of Italy behind bars.
27:46 OT -, Italia dei Valori (VICTOR)
"For 16 years, you have told us fairy tales, President Berlusconi. The only thing you have done is introduce a plethora of laws to service your own interests and difficulties with the judiciary. You are not a prime minister, but a rapist of democracy! "
28:08 Di Pietro flags any demonstration against Berlusconi and these demonstrations are rapidly increasing. Scandals, judicial affairs and an economic crisis - for many, the last act of this modern day Caesar's comedy is already over.
INSERTS:
Report - Lorenz Gallmetzer
Employees - Mathilde Schwabeneder
Camera:
Fabio Ceschel, Giuseppe Mella, Carmelo Scordi
Editor: Tom Hawlatschek