Formation of government in Italy: Putin connection burdens talks

After the elections, consultations on the formation of a government began in Italy. But Berlusconi’s close ties to Putin are overshadowing the talks between the right-wing allies.

In fact, Italian President Sergio Mattarella has started official consultations with leading politicians to form a new government. But the headlines are dominated by Silvio Berlusconi’s statements and connections to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin – and the resulting dispute between the likely next Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the former Prime Minister Berlusconi, one of her alleged allies.

After meetings with Fratelli d’Italia’s Meloni, Forza Italia’s Berlusconi and the third potential ally, Lega leader Matteo Salvini, Mattarella will decide who to appoint to form a coalition government. It is expected that Italy will be led by these parties and thus by a right-wing alliance for the first time since the end of the Second World War.

Berlusconi: Ukraine provoked the war

Meloni’s party clearly won the parliamentary elections in September and has positioned itself firmly on Kiev’s side since the Russian attack on Ukraine. After Berlusconi’s statements about the Ukraine war, however, relations with Meloni’s party are strained: This week two audio recordings appeared in which Berlusconi expressed sympathy for Putin in front of members of his party and accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj of having provoked the Russian invasion.

According to Berlusconi, Putin had been asked for help from the Donbass, but initially did not want to intervene. He then gave in to pressure in Russia and sent troops to Ukraine, where he faced “unpredictable resistance.” The Ukrainians had already received money and weapons from the West “from the third day”.

Illegal birthday gifts from Putin

In an interview with the Corriere della Sera newspaper, Berlusconi accused the media of distorting his thoughts on Russia and Ukraine. He denied trying to justify the Russian invasion. His position is absolutely in line with that of the Italian government, the EU, NATO and the US, he was quoted as saying.

By his own admission, Putin gave Berlusconi 20 bottles of vodka for his 86th birthday at the end of September. According to the EU Commission, this means a violation of the sanctions imposed on Russia. Berlusconi, who says he is one of Putin’s closest friends, also said this week that he was in contact with Putin again and had exchanged “sweet letters” with him.

Berlusconi wants foreign ministry

The incidents raise questions about how the future government in Rome will deal with Russia – especially as Berlusconi claims the foreign ministry for his party. His top adviser and preferred candidate for the ministry, Antonio Tajani, tried to limit the damage.

He will attend Friday’s summit of the European People’s Party, which includes Forza Italia, he tweeted. There he will reaffirm his support and that of his party for Ukraine, he announced. “We have always supported freedom and condemned the Russian invasion,” he said.

Meloni threatens to be expelled from the government

Responding to Berlusconi’s statements on Putin and Ukraine, Meloni said on Wednesday that Berlusconi risks losing all influence over the new government. In a government under her leadership, there is no room for foreign policy differences, she said.

“Italy is fully and head held high part of Europe and the Atlantic Alliance.” Anyone who does not agree with this cornerstone will not be able to be part of the government – “even if that means no government”.