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‘Bye Bye Silvio’: Silvio Berlusconi Resigns as Prime Minister of Italy

Bye Bye Silvio: Silvio Berlusconi Resigns as Prime Minister of Italy

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, center, arrives in his car at the Quirinale Presidential Palace to meet Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, in Rome, Saturday, November 12, 2011 and resign from office. (AP Photo/Angelo Carconi)

ROME (The Blaze/AP) — Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi resigned Saturday after parliament’s lower chamber passed European-demanded reforms, ending a 17-year political era and setting in motion a transition aimed at bringing the country back from the brink of economic crisis.

A chorus of Handel’s “Alleluia,” performed by a few dozen singers and classical musicians, rang out in front of the president‘s palace as thousands of Italians poured into downtown Rome to rejoice at the end of Berlusconi’s scandal-marred reign.

Hecklers shouted “Buffoon, buffoon!” as Berlusconi’s motorcade entered and exited the presidential palace, where he tendered his resignation to President Giorgio Napolitano, the palace said in a statement.

According to the BBC, crowds outside parliament also shouted “Resign” and “Bye bye Silvio.”

Berlusconi said he felt “embittered” upon hearing the insults.

Berlusconi had promised Tuesday he would step down once a series of economic austerity reform measures — demanded by the European Union to restore markets’ confidence in the Italian economy — were passed by both houses of parliament. Saturday‘s vote from Italy’s lower house came one day after the measures passed in the Senate.

Respected former European commissioner Mario Monti remained the top choice to try to steer the country out of its debt woes as the head of a transitional government, but Berlusconi’s allies remained split over whether to support him.

Their opposition wasn‘t expected to scuttle Napolitano’s plans to ask Monti to try to form an interim government once Berlusconi resigns, but it could make Monti’s job more difficult.

Napolitano is expected to hold consultations Sunday with all of Italy’s political forces before proceeding with his expected nomination of Monti. Late Saturday, Berlusconi’s party said it would support Monti, albeit with conditions.

Berlusconi’s resignation was set in motion after the Chamber of Deputies, with a vote Saturday of 380-26 with two abstentions, approved economic reforms which include increasing the retirement age starting in 2026 but do nothing to open up Italy’s inflexible labor market.

The Senate approved it a day earlier and Napolitano signed the legislation Saturday afternoon, paving the way for Berlusconi to leave office as he promised to do after losing his parliamentary majority earlier in the week. He chaired his final Cabinet meeting Saturday evening.

Berlusconi stood as lawmakers applauded him in the parliament chamber immediately after the vote. But outside his office and in front of government palazzos across town, hundreds of curiosity-seekers massing to witness the final hours of his government heckled him and his ministers.

“Shame!“ and ”Get Out!” the crowds yelled, many toting “Bye Bye Silvio Party” posters as they marched through downtown Rome in a festive indication that for many Italians, like financial markets, the time had come for Berlusconi to go.

Berlusconi supporters were also out in force, some singing the national anthem, but they were outnumbered.

Earlier in the day, Berlusconi lunched with Monti in a clear sign the political transition was already under way, news reports said.

While the euroskeptic Northern League remained opposed to Monti’s nomination, some lawmakers suggested they could support a Monti-led government for a few months to enact the additional EU-demanded reforms before elections are held in early 2012.

In a statement issued late Saturday, Berlusconi’s Peoples of Liberty party said its members would support Monti, but added that they would also ensure that Monti’s Cabinet, legislative agenda and the timeframe of his government meets their requirements.

Napolitano appealed for lawmakers to put the good of the country ahead of short-term, local interests – an indirect appeal to members of Berlusconi’s party and the allied Northern League to work with the new government.

“All political forces must act with a sense of responsibility,” he said.

It was an ignoble end for the 75-year-old billionaire media mogul, who came to power for the first time in 1994 using a soccer chant “Let’s Go Italy” as the name of his political party and selling Italians on a dream of prosperity with his own personal story of transformation from cruise-ship crooner to Italy’s richest man.

While he became Italy’s longest-serving post-war premier, Berlusconi’s three stints as premier were tainted by corruption trials and accusations that he used his political power to help his business interests.

His last term has been marred by sex scandals, “bunga bunga” parties and criminal charges he paid a 17-year-old girl to have sex – accusations he denies.

Italy is under intense pressure to quickly put in place a new and effective government to replace him, one that can push through even more painful reforms and austerity measures to deal with its staggering debts, which stand at euro1.9 trillion ($2.6 trillion), or a huge 120 percent of economic output. Italy has to roll over a little more than euro300 billion ($410 billion) of its debts next year alone.

Markets battered Italy this past week amid uncertainty that Berlusconi would really leave and questions over whether Italy’s notoriously paralyzed parliament could rally around a replacement. But Italy’s borrowing rates pulled back after Napolitano made clear he intended to tap the politically neutral economist Monti to try to head an interim government to push the reforms through.

The yield on benchmark Italian 10-year bonds fell to 6.48 percent Friday, safely below the crisis level of 7 percent reached earlier this week.

Greece, Ireland and Portugal all required international bailouts after their own borrowing rates passed 7 percent. The Italian economy would not be so easy to save. It totals $2 trillion, twice as much as the other three countries combined.

An Italian default could tear apart the coalition of 17 countries that use the euro as a common currency and deal a strong blow to the economies of Europe and the United States, both trying to avoid recessions.

The head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, said Saturday that Italy’s political transition over the next few days should send a “clear sign of clarification and of credibility” that the country is now on the right path to get its finances back in order.

Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Lagarde had high praise for Monti, saying she had great esteem for the “quality” economist with whom she had long enjoyed a “extremely warm” and effective relationship.

The IMF has a key role to play over the next few months in overseeing Italy’s efforts to pull itself back from a Greek-style economic disaster, monitoring how it implements reforms to rein in debt and spur growth, which is projected at a scant 0.6 percent this year and 0.3 percent next year.

Amid market turmoil last week, Berlusconi was forced to ask for IMF monitoring of Italy’s finances, a humiliating prospect for the eurozone’s third-largest economy and an embarrassment for the long-defiant Berlusconi.

The premier, however, received a warm sendoff from one of his closest pals, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who called Berlusconi “one of the last Mohicans of European politics” who had brought political stability to Italy.

Comments (39)

  • Netsurfer2
    Posted on November 13, 2011 at 8:14pm

    I believe nothing has changed, just that they are hiding more underground than ever before and play-out their dubious deeds while the people suffer more of the same! Not like anything will change if you don’t address the real problem! Taxes and spending has gone through the roof and not only that, now it’s the cost of living! Not like we don’t feel it here in the good ole US of A??? While everyone is buying oil at a premium because the Chinese are willing to pay top dollar, we see the prices rise beyond belief! It’s only worth what people are willing to pay for it! The real problems of tomorrow will be food and water! The truth is “they don’t want anyone out of debt if at all possible, because they can control them that much more”! We know the drill, now it’s your choice America! Were not at all like other countries! Let the Fabian’s mold their world, while we make better of ours!

    We should stop giving money to those that hate us and make them pay more for our food than we do! Drop all oil dependencies from other countries and drill our own, manufacture our own and tell them where they can go!

    Report Post » Netsurfer2  
  • notreally
    Posted on November 13, 2011 at 6:25pm

    Notice how he rides into the sunset in a chauffered limo? He’ll live the rest of his life like almost all socialist elite leaders do — in luxury, compliments of the taxpayers.

    Our Founders understood that a free people’s greatest enemy is the elitist politician who professes compassion for “the people” while he sucks up the wealth created by “the people” so he can live like a king throughtout his life — and feel good about it.

    Report Post »  
  • sbenard
    Posted on November 13, 2011 at 7:14am

    He gave his people just what they wanted — big government, big debt! Just like Obama is doing! And now, they’re not happy with the consequences! It doesn’t just fail! It destroys! The debt black hole has already been created, and there are only agonizingly painful ways to deal with it. Ultimately, only crushing taxes or hyperinflation will eliminate the debt. Either way would be devastating.
    Today, Italy is going to have a depression. Tomorrow, the whole of Europe! And then, the United States! Calamity is certainty!

    Report Post » sbenard  
  • headbtweenlegs
    Posted on November 13, 2011 at 6:40am

    Can we kick Obama out now?

    Report Post » headbtweenlegs  
  • GumRock
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 10:27pm

    Oh Great . another Obammie Zar in the House

    Report Post » GumRock  
  • Bakko Bomma
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 8:28pm

    Bye Silvio and take your 14 year old prostitutes with you,

    Report Post » Bakko Bomma  
  • Founding Father2
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 8:11pm

    GOP debate has begun: http://www.thedailycandidate.com/video/2011/nov/gop_presidential_debate_10.html

    Report Post »  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 7:56pm

    My take on this is that they won’t be able to put through the reforms necessary to make the cut. Socialist Italians, like their counterparts in Greece and elsewhere don’t give two hoots about “reality.” They want what they want and will riot if they don’t get it. This is why the EU is doomed. The majority or its citizens think similarly. And if we don’t wake up here in the U.S. to this socialist mentality and the threat it presents, we too will go under.

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on November 13, 2011 at 12:04am

      Yes, but they will blame it on Berlusconi. Accounting wise & socially it does not make sense to have exorbitant taxes. People feel they can;t pay them so they have fewer kids. So when that generation grows up they have to support even more elderly than their parents. So they have fewer kids. It is a death spiral.

      55 year old crones talk about how they are owed the SWEET LIFE (la vita dolce). You can also talk to people in the twenties about how they will have no kids or 1 kid. Many grand parents can’t seem to figure out why they only have 1 grandkid.

      DUH!

      This has been reported on in Time or Newsweek back in 2006 or so. Well socialist engineered train wreck

      Report Post »  
  • TRILO
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 7:14pm

    The problem will not go away as the fundamental problem has not been solved. As usual, the governments are trying to solve debt with debt while the sheeple still think that they can have every benefit that they can think of. Because don’t you know, money just magically appears from thin air.

    Report Post » TRILO  
  • SavingtheRepublic.com
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 7:02pm

    ~^~v~~^~~v~^~
    Mmmm Silvio going bye bye is like identifying and getting rid of “patient zero” after a pandemic is in full effect.

    MAED: Mutually Assured Economic Destruction is whats at play. Getting rid of a leader wont cure the problem whether they step down or get elected OUT OF OFFICE (hint hint) isnt the problem, The problem is the corruption that plagues the system; those who played a role in twisting it and corrupting it. The systemic problem is the gimme gimme’s and Im not just talking about the dolts in the occupy movement or whatever they call it in Europe. Those that cater to entitlement recipients, lobbyists, special interests etc etc. are the problem too of course and NOTHING will ever change until they are all routed out from local state to federal level regardless of what country we are talking about. http://SavingtheRepublic.com

    Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
  • Excal
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 6:44pm

    Ok, Blaze readers, there is another, more newsworthy development in Italy that the blaze should be covering, but like the MSM, is not.

    It’s this world changing news coming from the work of a good Italian:

    http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2011-11/06/cold-fusion-heating-up

    Everybody needs to demand that the blaze gets on the ball. This development could spell the end of the NEW WORLD ORDER’s diabolical plans.

    Report Post »  
  • steveh931
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 6:23pm

    Yes, Yes, all the problems in Italy were caused by the Prime Minister. On Monday the stock market will soar, the evil one has stepped aside. Italy’s woes have nothing to do with their Socialistic Society and Beliefs, their economy will burst into free markets and create all kinds of new jobs for the citizens of Italy through their private sector of small business creation.

    Report Post » steveh931  
  • TerryJ70
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 6:15pm

    If only we could be so lucky.

    Report Post »  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on November 12, 2011 at 7:39pm

      Terry
      I get your drift.
      This Italian guy just got an invite from George Clooney to party on LAKE CUOMO.
      Solandra Lee is the private chef.
      LMAO!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • TH30PH1LUS
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 6:13pm

    Some great post-election 2012 ideas after Barry Soetoro is removed from office.

    Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
  • sermaus
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 5:43pm

    Ciao, caro Silvio, maybe someone here in the US should take a hint that socialist programs without control and fail policies will put a country’s economy in shambles, capiche Obie?

    Report Post »  
  • thetreyman
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 5:09pm

    guess he can now have sex with underage girls and it wont make the international news.

    Report Post » thetreyman  
    • Cynic-clinic
      Posted on November 12, 2011 at 6:13pm

      How many of his Bunga-Bunga girls does he get to keep in his stable and is their salary paid weekly or quarterly ? Are fashions included? Com’on, lets get down to the same important things in Burloski‘s life as when he was ridin’ high ( the country wasn’t–he was ).

      DLTDHYITAOTWO

      Report Post »  
  • thegrassroots
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 5:06pm

    The Catholic Church Is Wealthy! And, the Vatican with all of its Gold and Jewels and Works-Of-Art is right there in Rome. If the Pope and his peeps would release their greedy-grip on their centuries old hoarding of riches and Sell! Sell! Sell! They Could Help Save Their Country!

    The pope’s pseudo-claim is that he‘s Jesus’ representative on earth. If the pope’s walk matches his talk, he should have no problem relinquishing the Vatican and those ridiculous robes in exchange for a simple hut in the hills, overalls & flannel shirts & boots, and driving himself around in a used economy car.

    The Answer For All Of Italy’s Woes Lies Within Its Own Borders — The Catholic Church and Its Vatican!

    Report Post »  
    • thetreyman
      Posted on November 12, 2011 at 5:24pm

      vatican city is its own city-state. i dont think they are responsible for the italian government’s overspending. but any reason to attack catholics should not be missed.

      Report Post » thetreyman  
    • texasfireguy
      Posted on November 12, 2011 at 5:31pm

      Ridiculous post and a stupid idea. The catholic church is not responsible for Italy’s poor spending habits. Of course, any chance to attack the church can’t be passed up can it?

      Report Post » texasfireguy  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on November 12, 2011 at 5:42pm

      Even so, thetreyman — one would think that the Catholic church would be willing and happy to relinquish its wealth for the purpose of helping the victims of Italy’s corrupt government. All that money in the hands of the Italian people would give them the strength to rebuild their country.

      There’s something very wrong with a system that calls itself a “church” hoarding riches while the poverty stricken are right outside its door.

      Report Post »  
    • thetreyman
      Posted on November 12, 2011 at 5:54pm

      and as we all know the catholic church does nothing for the poor. btw, do you really mean poor or do you mean freeloaders.

      Report Post » thetreyman  
    • thetreyman
      Posted on November 12, 2011 at 6:02pm

      also, what you are asking is for the vatican to foot the bill for the italian government’s social state and bad decisions without any reforms. even if the vatican expressed a desire to do this, it would make no sense. you dont keep giving money to an addict or you and the addict will both be broke.

      Report Post » thetreyman  
    • Frankie McCrew
      Posted on November 12, 2011 at 6:04pm

      Hey Grassroots…What agency do you work for as a troll? Acorn or similar? Only type of places I can think of where someone would have the job of posting asinine and deliberately confusing messages such as yours. Otherwise, if you really feel this way and are not a leftist troll on this message board….you’re pass to post on any board where intelligent people try to communicate with one another has hereby been revoked. You have proven yourself unworthy of the privilege.

      Report Post » Frankie McCrew  
    • thetreyman
      Posted on November 12, 2011 at 6:20pm

      i would also think that it is because of the vatican that a lot of these priceless treasures have been preserved through the years free from vandalism and destruction.

      Report Post » thetreyman  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on November 12, 2011 at 7:07pm

      I’ll “paint” with a broader brush :- ). Are you good folks saying that it’s right and good for ANY institution, that claims to be of God, to hoard and flaunt wealth in the face of true need?

      Report Post »  
  • OlefromMN
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 5:01pm

    Which rat scatters next? It is almost time to start betting on which failed socialist country falls next.

    Report Post » OlefromMN  
  • midnightgolfer
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:54pm

    Pointless. Meaningless. As pointless as pointing out that under Berlusconi, Italian heavy industry has bought everything but Ford. It means nothing.

    Report Post »  
  • capecodsully
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:45pm

    He’s going to become a fashion designer, clothes for teenage girls.

    Report Post »  
  • Fantastic Four
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:44pm

    Darn it ! I never got invited to a Bunga Bunga Party.

    Report Post » Fantastic Four  
  • Coonrapids
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:43pm

    He and the black jimmy carter can vacation together in 350 day.

    Report Post » Coonrapids  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:28pm

    So how long does anyone think it will take for the reality of massive European Panic to set in on monday as the realise nothing has actually changed for the better?

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Mikev5
      Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:32pm

      So true Snow one dirt bag leaving means NOTHING to think it will is being over simplistic one more dirt bag will show next week who may be even worse. It’s called the shell game just keep moving people around and make them think things are getting done or NOT.

      Report Post » Mikev5  
    • The_Almighty_Creestof
      Posted on November 12, 2011 at 5:15pm

      What?! You mean all of Italy is not unicorns, puppies and rainbows? Oh well…I guess I can put these bags away and take my shoes off…no sense going out to collect all those peanut M&M’s I heard now lined the streets.

      To be serious for a moment…the first two domino’s were greece and italy…who was next on the “wake up and smell the coffee” list?

      Report Post »  
  • PATRIOTGRUNT
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:25pm

    So Silvio is gone. Europe is saved . All is well now. Greeks have a new whatever. Its party time. The stock market should close somewhere in the 15,000 on Monday. All the good Euro Socialists can now go back and spend , spend , spend and spend some more. Holy Crap Batman , you didn’t say that they are broke ?. You did ?. The begining of the end of EURO.

    Report Post » PATRIOTGRUNT  
  • lukerw
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:25pm

    Sound & Fury signifying NOTHING and fixing NOTHING!

    Report Post » lukerw  

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