Silvio Berlusconi is not a man in need of ego enhancement, but that hasn’t stopped Rolling Stone from declaring him “rock star of the year”.
Berlusconi’s sexual peccadilloes and financial misdemeanours remain a source of guaranteed amusement. But am I the only one slightly dismayed to see Rolling Stone, usually a bastion of liberalism, contribute to the trivialisation of Europe’s most terrifyingly right-wing leader?
He may have belatedly lost his immunity from prosecution but, like a true rock star, he looks set to evade justice. Europe will enjoy several more years of laughter at Berlusconi’s expense . . . but it should feel ever so slightly ashamed as well.
Follow the New Statesman team on Twitter
Start the new year with a New Statesman subscription from only £8.99 per month.
Content from our partners
Related
