When Will Silvio Go?

Amid scandal, defection and the possible collapse of his government, how is it that Silvio Berlusconi still survives? “The tragic genius of Berlusconi is that he appears to have convinced millions that his destiny is their destiny: everyone who is scared of becoming a victim of judicial persecution, who feels overtaxed, who fears that foreigners are condescendingly critical of the Italian way of life is subtly persuaded that getting rid of Silvio would leave them vulnerable and isolated,” writes Tobias Jones. Also, the part about how he controls almost all of Italy’s media. That doesn’t hurt either.