Berlusconi's sex life is not the real issue

It may dominate world news, but the real story in Italy concerns criminal gangs, business deals and the north-south divide.

As the Italian summer reaches its height, the sexual exploits of Silvio Berlusconi (and the half-baked response of the Catholic church) continue to dominate the news as he enjoys the so-called "Italian way of life" to perfection. But the more important story lies elsewhere. Here's a list of interesting recent events, which may or may not be linked. First, the ex-president of the republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, has threatened to resign from the presidency of the committee organising the celebration of 150 years of national unity. Not surprising, since his committee exudes apathy. In reality, the celebration of the roots of Italian unity no longer interests anyone; in the minds of the republic's citizens, it's been dead for some time. Over the past 15 years the federalist (and occasionally separatist) convictions of the Northern League, ineffectively balanced by a rightwing government with – at least in regard to the media – Peronist tendencies, has gradually eroded the unifying and fundamental values of the country. The average Italian's historical memory is now awakened only during football championships. His loyalty, love and respect is reserved for his own birthplace or his close family clan. The Renaissance revival is unimportant to him and he is quite indifferent to historical figures such as Garibaldi and Mazzini.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/aug/07/italy-corruption-state-organised-crime