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  1. Politics
9 November 2011

Berlusconi gaffes: our top ten

A collection of quotes that make you wonder how the Italian premier survived so long.

By Mike Bonnet

Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has announced that he will step down after a new stability package is approved in parliament. Over the course of his political career, he has come out with a string of gaffes and misguided jokes. We’ve picked our top ten — feel free to share any we’ve left out in the comment box below.

1. On his love of Italy:

In a few months… I’m leaving this shitty country of which I’m sickened. (July 2011)

2. On women:

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When asked if they would like to have sex with me, 30% of women said, ‘Yes’, while the other 70% replied, ‘What, again?’ (April 2011)

3. On the L’Aquila Earthquake victims:

Of course, their current lodgings are a bit temporary. But they should see it like a weekend of camping. (April 2009)

4. On how tough it is to be a billionaire:

I am without doubt the person who’s been the most persecuted in the entire history of the world and the history of man. (October 2009)

5. On his own sexual abilities:

I only managed to do eight of them, I couldn’t manage any more…You just can’t get round to all of them. But this morning I feel great, I’m pleased with my stamina. (November 2009)

6. On Barack Obama:

Handsome, young and also suntanned. (November 2008)

7. On his personal sacrifice:

I am the Jesus Christ of politics…I am a patient victim, I put up with everyone, I sacrifice myself for everyone. (February 2006)

8. On his own record in office:

Only Napoleon did more than I have done. (February 2006)

9. On Mussolini:

Mussolini never killed anyone. Mussolini sent people on holiday in (internal) exile. (September 2004)

10. On balding:

I have little hair because my brain is so big it pushes the hair out. (2001)

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Select and enter your email address The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
  • Administration / Office
  • Arts and Culture
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  • Client / Customer Services
  • Communications
  • Construction, Works, Engineering
  • Education, Curriculum and Teaching
  • Environment, Conservation and NRM
  • Facility / Grounds Management and Maintenance
  • Finance Management
  • Health - Medical and Nursing Management
  • HR, Training and Organisational Development
  • Information and Communications Technology
  • Information Services, Statistics, Records, Archives
  • Infrastructure Management - Transport, Utilities
  • Legal Officers and Practitioners
  • Librarians and Library Management
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • OH&S, Risk Management
  • Operations Management
  • Planning, Policy, Strategy
  • Printing, Design, Publishing, Web
  • Projects, Programs and Advisors
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  • Public Relations and Media
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  • Science and Technical Research and Development
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  • Sport and Recreation
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Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU