Francesco Giumelli and Davide Maneschi explain why Italians keep voting for Silvio Berlusconi:
Italian voters have always been attracted by the uomo forte, the strong man, a charismatic leader who is capable of singlehandedly solving the countryâ??s problems.This happened with Mussolini in the 1920s, but the popularity of other figures such as the late Socialist Prime Minister Bettino Craxi, the late Communist leader Enrico Berlinguer and more recently the comedian-turned-politician Beppe Grillo can to a certain extent be explained by Italyâ??s fascination with the charismatic figure who makes promises of progress and prosperity. Italians find these strong men attractive even when they cut corners in the democratic process.
With his ever-young look, elegant attire and almost shameless show of wealth, Berlusconi effortlessly fits the image of the uomo forte.
The unintentionally hysterical pro-Berlusconi party video/musical number above is brought to us by the very talented Joel Weckgenant. Follow him on Twitter for the latest -- and some of the smartest -- analysis on the Italian election.
