The
LAT's Tracy Wilkinson reports on the Jesus Christ of Italian politics.
'Megalomaniac'
(Pier Paolo Cito / AP)
Berlusconi Just Loves Berlusconi
Seeking reelection, Italy's leader is flooding the airwaves on stations he owns.
Despite gaffes, legal woes and egotism, he just might win again.
By Tracy Wilkinson, Times Staff Writer
March 13, 2006ROME — One day he likens himself to Napoleon. A few days later, it's none other than Jesus Christ.
The irrepressible Silvio Berlusconi, surgically enhanced prime minister and Italy's richest man, is running for reelection. And despite a record of embarrassing public gaffes, disastrous economic performance and unpopular foreign policies, he stands a decent chance of winning.