Silvio Berlusconi may be one of Italy's most (popular) politicians, but the premier's (approval) ratings are sinking fast with at least one Italian - his wife.
Veronica Lario publicly (voiced) her rage over reports that Berlusconi's party was lining up a troupe of TV showgirls and starlets as (candidates) for June's European Parliament elections.
A spokesman for the conservative Freedom People party said the reports were (unfounded), adding that the official list of candidates would be (presented) later yesterday. Berlusconi contended the reported plans were a fabrication of the opposition and left-leaning media.
Berlusconi has already (faced) trouble at home and widespread (criticism) for flirting with women and filling his political ranks with female stars, including a Cabinet minister.
Two years ago, Lario received a quick and public (apology) from Berlusconi when she wrote to a newspaper (complaining) about a compliment her husband had paid to TV starlet Mara Carfagna, now the minister for equal opportunities.
Late on Tuesday, Lario released a statement to the ANSA news agency, (slamming) the party's alleged election plans as "(shameless) rubbish" that offended her, her children and women in general.
"Somebody has (written) that this is all for the entertainment of the emperor," she said. "I agree. What emerges from the newspapers is shameless rubbish, all in the name of power."
Lario's public (rage) came after days of debate in which even Berlusconi's allies raised eyebrows over reports by left-leaning newspapers that the party's candidates could include a Big Brother contestant (as well as) actresses and models.
Alessandra Mussolini, a right-wing (politician) and a former actress, ironically suggested the leading coalition should also have male models run for office as a (measure) of fairness.
Lario was less subtle in her criticism. "The (impudence) and shamelessness of power offends the credibility of all women, damages women in general and (especially) those who have always struggled to defend their rights," Lario said.
"I want to make clear that my children and I are (victims) and not accomplices in this situation. We must bear it and it (causes) us to suffer," she told ANSA.
Lario, also a former (actress), is Berlusconi's second wife and the couple have three children.
Question)
1. How much do you know about Berlusconi?
2. How do you view the case?
