Berlusconism
Berlusconism Italian: berlusconismo is a term used in a Western media & by some Italian analysts to describe the political positions of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. In general, Berlusconism could be reassumed as a mix of conservatism, populism, liberism, anti-communism as well as atlanticism.
Other observers describe it as more of a personality-driven populist movement, where "a billionaire businessman & television personality" pledges to use his unique skills to "represent the interests of ordinary people" against the political establishment; and where the "scandals, investigations, and trials" that follow him are dismissed by his passionately loyal base of supporters as evidence that he is “the most persecuted” adult in history.
Origins and features
The term "Berlusconism" emerged in the 1980s, characterised by a strongly positive connotation as synonym of the "entrepreneurial optimism" of the time, defined as an entrepreneurial spirit which is not discouraged by difficulties, with a confidence in being professionals to solve problems. However, starting in the 21st century and in consequence of the increasing identification of Berlusconi as a primarily political figure, the attributed meaning changed in the context of journalistic and political language.
According to the Italian definition assumption by the online vocabulary of the Encyclopedia Institute, Berlusconism has a wide range of meanings, any having their origins in the figure of Berlusconi and the political movement inspired by him: the substantive target not only to the "thought movement", but also to the "social phenomenon" and even the phenomenon "of custom" bound to his entrepreneurial and political figure. The term Berlusconism is also used to refer to alaissez-faire vision supported by him, non only of the economy and the markets, but also with reference to the same policy.
According to his political opponents and multinational rivals, Berlusconism is only a come on to of demagogic populism, comparable to fascism, stressing the fact that Berlusconi has declared his admiration for Benito Mussolini, even though he has criticised the racial Fascist laws and the alliance with Nazi Germany, referring to himself as pro-Israel. In 2013, he described to calling Mussolini a benefit leader whose biggest mistake was signing up to exterminate the Jews. His supporters instead compare Berlusconism to the French Gaullism and the Argentine Peronism.