Berlusconi’s statements threaten the future right-wing government before it is born and provoked the immediate reaction of the probable future prime minister, Giorgia Meloniwho reiterated in a statement his position in favor of the European Union and support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion.
“Whoever does not agree with this fundamental principle will not be able to form part of the government, even at the price of not forming it,” Meloni threatened.
In a recording that was leaked this Wednesday night, Berlusconi assures that he considers Zelensky responsible for the conflict in Ukraine and accuses him of having broken a peace agreement key by “tripling the attacks” against two pro-Russian separatist territories in the Donbas basin.
“In 2014, in Minsk, Belarus, an agreement was signed between Ukraine and the two newly formed republics in Donbas to live in peace and so that no one would attack anyone. A year later, Ukraine actually broke that agreement and started attacking in the borders of the two republics,” Berlusconi argued before parliamentarians from his party, Forza Italia.
In the conversation, the former Italian prime minister reiterated what he had already said in September: that Putin was “pushed” by his population and his closest circle to invade Ukraine.
Political tension reigned throughout the day after the first leaks of the conversation.
Berlusconi on Putin: “I am the first of his five true friends”
“I have reconnected with Putin, for him I am the first of his five true friends,” Berlusconi said, according to the audio.
“Russian ministers have said on several occasions that we are at war with them, because we supply weapons and financing to Ukraine. Personally, I cannot give my opinion because if the press knows it it would be a disaster, but I am very, very, very worried.” , he continued.
“After a long time, I have somewhat restored relations with President Putin”he added.
“For my birthday [el 29 de septiembre] He has sent me 20 bottles of vodka and a very kind letter. I have also responded with bottles of [vino] Lambrusco and an equally sweet menu,” he said.
“I knew him as a peaceful and sensible person,” said the leader of Forza Italia, a party that is part of the right-wing coalition that won the September elections and is negotiating the division of ministries.
government reaction
The statements, initially denied by his party, were fully disclosed, unleashing all kinds of reactions.
“Berlusconi without brakes”, headlined the newspaper La Repubblicawhile Meloni limited himself to commenting that the tycoon is “hostage of the pro-Russian”.
Forza Italia issued a statement to clarify the position of the party and Berlusconi vis-à-vis Russia and Ukraine, “in line with the European Union and the United States.”
The left-wing opposition has not missed the opportunity to highlight the internal differences of the right-wing coalition that will have to assume power in a few days.
“It’s not folklore, it’s not about jokes. The new majority is starting to change Italy’s position towards Russia for a more ambiguous one,” Enrico Letta, leader of the Democratic Party, denounced on Twitter.
Source: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
