Don't write off Silvio Berlusconi just yet

„Could it be that Il Cavaliere – the man who has changed the face of his country during his three stints as prime minister, who over decades has completed the populist reinvention of the media, whose name is synonymous with alleged scandal and international clowning – has finally lost his touch? What on earth will Italy, and the rest of us, do without this larger-than-life character, this cheerful chauvinist and shameless wielder of power?

But disappointing as it will be to his opponents, we probably haven't heard the last tactless reference to Barack Obama's suntan yet. Mr Berlusconi has been written off so many times before that it would be foolish to think he has no way back. Stefano Folli, a well-known Italian political analyst, said this week: "These are the spasms of the end of a regime." But spasms can last for years. They can also be treated.

Aside from his extensive media, publishing, financial services, football and theatrical interests, Mr Berlusconi is still prime minister. He will probably cease to be so only if there are elections and he goes on to lose them.”