‘Sexism’ allegations damage Berlusconi
Over 100,000 Italian women have signed a petition condemning Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for comments made on a late night television programme. The movement rose to national attention less than two weeks after it was broadcasted.
Berlusconi was criticised for his “cretinisation of women” after he stated that Rosi Bindi, a political opponent, was “more beautiful than intelligent.”
Bindi, seemingly unaffected by his harsh comments, replied she was “not a woman at [his] disposal”, making a snide reference to the controversy which has plagued Berlusconi after his alleged acquisition of prostitutes for his private parties earlier in the year.
Berlusconi has been severely criticised at home and abroad for his womanising habits and following a string of derogatory and seemingly sexist comments about women.
The female population of Italy, who have been silent for several years now in the face of the Italian leader’s numerous scandals, are now speaking out against these incidents en masse.
Critics of Berlusconi have used this incident as further evidence of his chauvinistic attitude and continued disregard for women in Italian politics.
He encouraged the Italian female population to “cook on Election Day and bring that to the polling station to be examined” rather than express political views.
He has also spoken negatively about the female politicians of the opposition party, claiming “the Left has no taste even when it comes to women”.
In 2007 when Berlusconi was introduced to cabinet member and former model Mara Carfanga he stated “if I was not already married I would marry you now.”
Berlusconi was later forced to apologise for his comments and he went on to make Carfanga his minister for equal opportunity. In 2008, there were allegations against the pair for engaging in explicit phone conversations that were tapped by an Italian anti corruption investigation.
Sexism isn’t the only scandal currently facing the Prime Minister. Having lost his immunity from prosecution earlier this month, the senior politician seems to be losing his grip over Italian politics.
Berlusconi’s supporters claim that his remarks are merely accidental and that any offence caused is unintentional. However, it seems that the continual scandal plagueing Berlusconi is beginning have an effect on his poll ratings.
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