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As Thousands Of Italians March Against Austerity On "No Monti Day", Berlusconi Threatens To Scuttle Monti Government
First, it was Greece who failed to stick with the "do not rock the boat until the US election" script so meticulously crafted by Tim Geithner, and now it is Italy's turn as Europe threatens to come unhinged precisely in the week when complete peace and quiet is needed to avoid deflecting attention from the peak season of the US presidential theater. As Reuters reports, "Tens of thousands of people marched through Rome in a "No Monti Day" on Saturday, some throwing eggs and spraying graffiti to protest against austerity measures introduced by Prime Minister Mario Monti's government. Appointed in November when Italy risked being sucked into the euro zone debt crisis, Monti has pushed through painful austerity measures to cut the country's massive debt, including tax hikes, spending cuts and a pension overhaul. "We are here against Monti and his politics, the same politics as all over Europe, that brought Greece to its knees and that are destroying half of Europe, public schools, health care," said demonstrator Giorgio Cremaschi... In another demonstration in northern Italy, a small group of protesters scuffled with police near where Monti was addressing a rally on the theme of family values."
So who gets to capitalize on the latest bout of surging discontent with the Goldman appointed technocrat? Why the same man who yesterday was sentenced to several years in jail (a sentence that will be never carried out of course), Silvio Berlusconi, and whom the ECB singlehandedly took down nearly a year ago, when it sent Italian bond yields to record highs: "The center-right bloc will decide "in the next few days" whether to withdraw confidence for Prime Minister Mario Monti in parliament or support him until elections in April, former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said on Saturday. Monti's government of non-elected technocrats is backed by the center-left, the center and the center-right. It would have to resign if it lost the support of the entire center-right."
In other words, the man that many left for politically dead in the always entertaining Italian political scene, is about to come back with a stunning vengeance, and may even reclaim the throne that Goldman repossessed a year earlier.
From Reuters:
"We have to recognize the fact that the initiative of this government is a continuation of a spiral of recession for our economy," Berlusconi told a news conference in northern Italy a day after he was convicted and sentenced to four years for tax fraud related to his Mediaset media empire.
"Together with my collaborators we will decide in the next few days whether it is better to immediately withdraw our confidence in this government or keep it, given the elections that are scheduled," he said.
The Monti government of non-elected technocrats is supported by the centre-left, the centre-right and the centre. It would lose its majority and have to resign if the entire centre-right, including Berlusconi's PDL party, withdrew support.
Unemployment in Italy has risen to 10.7 percent, its highest level since monthly records began in 2004, and unions are locked in disputes with companies over plant closures and layoffs.
Berlusconi, a 76-year-old billionaire media magnate, gave no precise timing for when the decision on whether to keep supporting Monti or not would be made. An indication of the centre-right's strength will come on Sunday when Sicilians go to the polls to elect a new regional government.
Always one to have an immaculate sense of the public's pulse of discontent (if not so much contentment), Berlusconi continued:
Berlusconi also condemned the Monti government for following what he called the "hegemonistic" economic policies of Germany and accused German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former French President Nicolas Sarkozy of "trying to assassinate my international political credibility" when he was prime minister.
Berlusconi was convicted on Friday of inflating prices paid for television rights via offshore companies and skimming off money to create illegal slush funds.
The court imposed a five-year ban on running for political office but since the sentence does not come into effect until all appeals are exhausted, Berlusconi can run for parliament in the next national elections in April.
In an interview earlier on Saturday he had suggested that he might not leave front-line politics as expected, although he later confirmed that he would not be a candidate for prime minister. He did not rule out running for parliament.
The former prime minister, who was convicted three times during the 1990s in the first degree before being cleared by higher courts, has the right to appeal the ruling two more times before the sentence becomes definitive.
He has often accused magistrates of waging a political war against him. "Ours is not a democracy but a dictatorship of the magistrature," he said, listing the amount of time and money he has had to spend to defend himself in trials he says are all based on unfounded accusations.
Then again, this is the same man who said he feels "obliged to stay in politics to reform Italy's justice system" the day after his conviction:
He announced what sounded like a political platform to undo many of Monti's reforms. And he warned that his People of Freedom party would be meeting in the coming days to decide whether to withdraw support from Monti's government and force early elections.
He said it would do so to end the "recessive spiral" that Monti's reforms had brought about.
The rambling speech got personal at times, such as when he denounced a now-famous smirk about him shared by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and France's then-President Nicolas Sarkozy, which he termed an "attempted assassination of my international credibility."
Berlusconi had wavered about his political future in the year since he was forced from office amid sex scandals and his inability to reassure financial markets that he could push through the economic reforms needed to ward off a debt crisis.
At the end of the day, for better or worse, it seems that the Italian people may once again be allowed to chose their elected leaders, which regardless of the outcome, is what democracy is truly about, and we are confident that even with Berlusconi back on top, the local electorate would be happier than being controlled by a proxy muppet of the world's most insidious investment banks-cum-hedge funds, whose only goal has always been a simple one: the enrich its shareholders, its partners, and the member of the global ruling oligarchy even more at the expense of the disappearing middle class.
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And naturally Spain is no different. France24 writes:
http://www.france24.com/en/20121027-spanish-police-protest-cuts-madrid?n...
Don't worry there will be another 500 bailouts to calm any and all situations.
http://schiffblog.blogspot.ca/
Cut them 5%, they squeal like pigs.
Cut them 50%, they squeal like pigs.
See the difference?
domesticated peoples are mentally incapable of rising against an oppressive government. Your average consumerist won't fight, and will believe in a better possible outcome until he or she is face down in the dirt in some mass grave.
Only men & women with something greater than themselves to fight for will stand up; you know who you are, and you bide your time, waiting for when the theatrics are over with and it is time to correct the course of the world.
As they have conquered entire populations through psychological means, so they will be freed.
Greater than ourselves: our progeny's future.
While we bide our time: we hope we have the smarts to recognize the moment, and the guts to take required action.
spain coverage 3th day of protest this week
http://rt.com/on-air/surround-parliament-madrid-live/
AUSTERITY POLARITY....
It is amazing how people fail to recognize that sovereign bankruptcy is a JOINT AND SEVERAL ISSUE.
When sovereigns go to war, everyone within the sovereign goes to war.....when sovereigns go broke, everything and everyone within the sovereign is broke.
When the world is bankrupt, trying to figure out who has control is truly a ZERO HEDGE....
Gentlepeople, never forget the first rule about fightclub in the Udder World, a place we all milk off......and the fight is about to begin.
Where is Ciccioina when you need her.
Here she is topless...
http://tinyurl.com/8qt9ppj
Oh shit, that's Hillary topless. My bad!
Those things look more like dinosaur eggs than mammary glands.
Congratulations to the Italians for wanting to garbage their criminals. Now if only we could do the same in America.
http://howstupidare.blogspot.com/2012/08/how-stupid-are-americans.html
I vote for the Berlusconi mafia to imprison the Toika mafia. Long live the bunga bunga.
vote for Beppe Grillo instead!!
Berlusconi is the NWO enemy numero uno. He must be purged/jailed/disgraced.
Monti was at a "Family Values" rally. Ring kissing, Bishop blowing club med political theater has to be pretty entertaining. No matter how far you go you get the same crap. We have a whole bunch of ladies in a midwestern state hoping that they will get raped by their elected representative soon because he promised. "I will rape all of you that need rapin' cause I'ma doing god's work".
Self induced comas mandatory in all swing states.
Interesting local elections tomorrow in Sicily. Let's see if the Grillo's "5 star movement" will cash in. It has been polling as the second largest party in Italy for some time now. His agenda includes defaulting on the govt debt, exiting euro and some other cool stuff.
the only Italian in this is De Niro:
YouTube - FED Up! Here's a Voter Who Would Not Take It Anymore. Blows his Mind Out in a Fridge!.
The last alinea, wowww! Go ZH, go Berlusconi!
What I love most about this thread is that a bunch of peeps are just popping off about shit that they don't know shit about...
&, of course, I deserve, "MILLE 'junks'", for stating the obvious... again...
Glad you agree with me. All options to bring down the Brussels freakshow are fine with me. One way or another. It's not sustainable, so let's short the path to a new system. Berlu is the man to do that. With guys like Monti, Europe will be a debt serfs union for the next 20 years.
The guy is going to the can, and keeps kicking it right to the "' CHOPPING /BLOCK!
This post; Thank you Tyler, just exemplifies the corruption, and deceit that has polluted Europe far longer than the ""European Union", experiment.
Silvio is anti-communist. Go Silvio.
Are you completely mental? This isn't about partisan politics!
It's about the total colapse of a financial system!
Yes it is ..the current un-elected Goldmanshite fascist puppet in Berli's seat caused it
Go Berli Go
Typical European . Just evade the question, and pass the (€) to someone else. You make me sick!
The fact that (u) would hide behind a corrupt SOB like that, just solidifies, that you are part of the " entourage"...
Dunno what a "typical" European is.. never met one.. that's the root of the problem with the EU, we don't want to be averaged and harmonginised by politicians into Euro-sheep
can you point out a "typical" American, even in your family?
I'm not evading anything BTW, I'm just being practical that I'm rooting for Silvio in a choice between 2 parasites... note the caveat above about parasites, i'm not super keen on any, they can all go hang
regards the financial shitstorm the Eurozone is a debt-ridden basket case ..but note the Goldmanshite is cutting back Govt but not giving bwankers haircuts ...tough on people, pandering to bwankers, a Goldmanshite bias
bad these Eurozone debts, who bubbled a mega-derivative house of cards on top? ...that's why bubble Bens coming to the rescue, wether you Yanks like it or not
Polish one of your turds, and you will have one!
that's Ben the toilet-cleaners job, polishing turds, paying good money for Wall Street soiled nappies
he's coming across the Pond real soon to mop up all the shit (derivatives) those stupid, stupid assholes on Wall Street wrote on top of the Euro sewer
"typical" American yes?
Right? /NOT It's dinner time in London. I can't wait to hear your "pub blitherings"
The ECB matter of factually, holds a debt ratio about 10% higher than the Fed. Thats excluding BIS /OIS/ movement.
Zero Government, make sure that traffic cam, doesn't catch you in a drunken stupor!
You have such a vivid imagination I'm not sure you're directing your posts toward me or your fantasies
wanna come down to Earth and maybe we can discuss something I actually said
I'm all "ËARS". By all means, enlighten me! You seem to make sense most of the time.
Worshiping "Berlusconi" isn't one of your finer moments.
when you'v seen the pure tedium of the Brussels lefty-loon cabbages for a couple of decades and a sole European PM enters with a pack of hot Italian models you'd admire him too
he's the only politician in Europe that isn't duller than dishwater
Finally, the man speaks. I still think you are a sack of shit, just about to get flushed!
Screw you and your "wananbe"self preservation ideas!
Respectfully; (F-U), Zero Govt. and that spinless horse, you rode in on.
I can tell you are scared. Better crack out that scuba gear.
Yen Cross, perhaps this: here we make a difference between the laws and policies and the personal life of a politician
Is my enemy's enemy my friend......?
Is my enemy's enemy my friend......?
Very true ...it could be even simpler than that, just "I Vote Suicide"
...any nut-job candidate will do, frankly that's all politicians know anyway
in this instance Berlesconi is far far more likely to give bwankers haircuts than the Goldmanshite plant who'll lay waste to all Italy to ensure bwanker repayments
so I back suicide Silvio for that and a other reasons
You are a "
plagiaristic moron.no fan of any politician (parasite) but on this occasion I hope Berlusconi mows down that Goldmanshite puppet in his Ferrari ...reverse back, twice just to make sure
C'mon Be' ...time for some banker roadkill
(Berlusconi 'staffed' all his EU rep team with hot young Italian models/totti ...amongst a legion of dreary Brussels socialists (think cabbages) ....a truly inspirational male leader of our day)
The new fiat line is out. Damn things look like Easter eggs on wheels, candy colors too. Sometimes the jokes are just way too obvious. What did they pay for Chrysler again? Oh right, nothing. The taxpayers gave it to them. Thanks Barry.
you had to give Chrrysler away... who'd have paid a penny for it???
wanna buy GM ?
Exactly. Berlusconi may be a crook but he's Italy's crook. And more importantly, a nationalist which is going to start spreading like wildfire all over Europe
Berlusconi is Trump, Madoff, and Charlie Sheen all smashed together in one elderly package. Why would anyone believe, much less support, anything this thieving fuck has to say on anything? This is like Bush II lecturing Obama on misguided policies.
plus one.
"Berlusconi is Trump, Madoff, and Charlie Sheen all smashed together in one elderly package..."
Well you've got to admire his Trump and Sheen characteristics at least
Whereas that Godmanshite muppet is pure souless Madoff rape and pillage
So which would you choose?
C'mon Silvio, his arse is grass and you're a lawnmower....
I admire your need of a "straight jacket"...
leave me out of it and just admire the straight jacket
Fair enough. I'll let the Sunday open talk. You can slither into that one.
think i'm out clubbing in an hour
but you have good Sunday, i'll probably be sleeping most of it
Oligarch worship. It's a disease with no obvious cure.
No it's being practical, like watching your 2 turkeys running for president and wondering which bankster puppet is most palatable
You couldn't find your way out of a "one legged ass kicking" contest!
Here I am. zero govt. (good ole boys club). I'm a 1%er> (yes me)
No idea what you're on about
sleep on it
Obviously. It's your bed time. "I was referring to your drunken " election ideas".
Recap:
David Lipton speaks about the outcomes of the 2012 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings
[@1m] ‘Which is keeping the periphery in crisis.’ LMFAO!
Well done Atomizer.
Atomizer
Well that post brings the thread back to reality.
Bunga is listening this while plotting his next move and thinking dark things abt the Goldman puppet Monti
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p0YRWRSNSM
Don't worry Goldman Sachs have made sure Berlusconi won't upset their plans. Just like they did to get their gal, Lagarde into the "hot" seat.
Fuck the "SQUID! Fuck the IMF!( blame game)... Europe baked it's own cake! The GDP of the European Union"", is greater than the United States.
/slightly/ Fuck you Draghi, and your early morning , foggy glasses! Your (TAPE BOMBS) are done!
Dow 36,000...
KEEP STACKING GOLD AND SILVER.....
FUCK ALL BANKERS....
Slightly off-topic, but this, from today's NY Times, is too good not to share:
Rise in Household Debt Might Be Sign of a Strengthening Recovery By ANNIE LOWREYIn a shift, Americans are taking on more debt than they are shedding, indicating that a more resilient recovery is on the way.
Debt is a great substitute for lack-o-wages.
that article was right below the article explaining that the nanny who killed two kids was financially wrecked and losing her mind because of it. those two articles right next to each other. you can't make this shit up.
Sounds like Monti's actually doing a good job. He's got the balls to make the tough decisions to turn Italy around. Which old Bunga Bunga certainly doesn't. In fact he got Italy into the mess it's in so bringing him back would be a complete disaster.
I don't care for Mario Monte, but he isn't a delusional "äutocrat".
Monti is a tentacle of the autocratic squid, you're the one being delusional...
Now BTFDYFI!
You have the "äudacity" when you can't even make sense of (29*/1) toz. Grow up child!
I promise it'll be the first thing I'll do after you start making sense & get yourself a real job!
Regards...
But he hasn't Benn properly elected
Hitler started off doing good things for the German economy....
But he wasn't properly elected
Hitler started off doing good things for the German economy....
But he wasn't properly elected
Hitler started off doing good things for the German economy....
But he wasn't properly elected
Hitler started off doing good things for the German economy....
As you post multiple times, in dis-illusion?
It's pretty hard to compare Mario Monte to Hitler. Mario probably lost some family to Hitler.
Do you actually think you have an argument?
Multiple posts not intentional
Technical issues with my phone - or maybe it's the user
Wow, tough crowd!
Still haven't seen an arguement that what he's doing is the wrong thing for Italy. Living within your means is always going to be unpopular. Doesn't mean it's wrong.
a good laugh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2zh2oFYs0g
Berlesconi is Italy's Donald Trump.
What a fucking choice.
Corrupt+middle class+poor
BUNGA BUNG ON!
OR
Less corrupt+poor
Does EU socialism work by reducing three to two?
Montis role is to transfer diesel (capital) North and thats it really.
He is a good German.
omrpublic.iea.org/demand/it_dl_ov.pdf
Spot the trend ?
omrpublic.iea.org/demand/ct_dl_ov.pdf
Berlus(con)ni was going to be executed, and then stepped down. CUBAN style.
Now he want's to play "Robin Hood".
Ever since Silvio got his hair done,he's been a cocky motherfucker.
We need zero hegemonistic economic policies!
I like you bugs!
God wake the people and help them to deliver themselves from psychopaths.
Berlusconi claims that he does not wish to be prime minister of Italy again, and it does not seem he has the support. However, his latest comments will surely cause market disruptions come Monday unless there is backtracking on Sunday.
He is still in control of his party and would be able to make the government fall by withdrawing support for the coalition led by Monti. It is unclear what this would accomplish. The fall of the technocratic government would cause immediate harm to Italy by jacking up bond yields; this would also affect the other periphery countries.
Perhaps, he is just being spiteful. He is quite angry and the way he was treated by Merkel and Sarkozy last fall. Merkozy's treatment was precipitated by Berlusconi withdrawing support for promised Italian reforms after ECB bond buying had managed to lower yields.
The former prime minister has proven to be wily. The periphery countries are suffering from austerity fatigue. It is only a matter of time before one politician promises to chuck austerity and the euro to garner support.
This position would put the first country threatening to do so in an advantageous position before German elections, and he would love to stick it to Merkel.
Berlusconi could approach Merkel and tell her that he wants an unconditional bailout for Italy, or it will leave the eurozone. By the way, good luck in the election.
Only an Italian would run for political office for spite or revenge.
dareconomics.wordpress.com
It is sad that other great nations are completely in the hands of kleptocrats and oligarchs. The closest thing we have to a good example out there is Iceland. Not to take anything away from the Icelandic people - but - it is not a comparable situation (population, complexity, homogeneity etc.) to the rest of the countries out there.
All I can say to our European brethren is - be careful of your supposed saviors - they are just like ours.
Lying, cheating, hypocritical, self-congratulatory scum.
Your only hope is you, your family, your friends and the people you choose to do business with.