Whatever he decided, the wounds would hurt. As everyone now knows, Berlusconi opted to comply with the EU. But now he has to deal with his other bloodied toe. Key supporters are said to be miffed by Berlusconi’s leadership style (or seeming lack thereof) in capitulating so easily. Does he lack the confidence to rule with his own hand? they ask. His outspoken opposition is no happier. Rather than quickly changing the law, Berlusconi insists that Italy must amend its Constitution, allegedly to ensure the new European legislation is “compatible with the fundamental rights” of his country. That could take three years. Time enough, perhaps, for Berlusconi to see his own pending court case thrown out?
