Berlusconi Locked in Risky Vendetta with Minister

The Italian government was struggling to fend off a financial crisis in September 2011 but Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and his Finance Finister Guilio Tremonti had descended into a personal feud that was putting not just the country, but all of Europe, at risk. If the Finance Minister were to quit, the markets would erupt in turmoil.

In addition, it was said that the clash between Silvio Berlusconi and Giulio Tremonti spilled over from the political arena into Italy’s institutions of state. Nomination of the new governor of the Bank of Italy was also seen as a bone of contention.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Berlusconi resists pressure to resign http://www.europeansources.info/record/berlusconi-resists-pressure-to-resign/

ESO: Background information: Italy’s finance minister under fire http://www.europeansources.info/record/italys-finance-minister-under-fire/

Corriere della Sera, 28.9.11: Tension Mounts Over Bank of Italy Nomination http://www.corriere.it/english/11_settembre_28/verderami_cb21d45a-e9cc-11e0-ac11-802520ded4a5.shtml

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