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Berlusconi Demands Apology From Wife

Lario slammed PM for surrounding himself 'with children'

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted May 4, 2009 1:06 PM CDT

(Newser) – Silvio Berlusconi is demanding an apology from his wife for her public complaints over the PM’s appreciation of young women, the Times of London reports. Berlusconi alleged that Veronica Lario had been “put up” to discredit him before June elections by his political enemies. Berlusconi said this marriage could probably not be saved, and added: “I don’t know if I want to save it this time."

Lario had told reporters last week while preparing divorce proceedings that she couldn’t live with a man who “surrounds himself with minors,” alluding to Berlusconi’s recent attendance at an 18-year-old’s birthday party and a splashy gathering of prospective European MPs—who all happened to be young models and actresses. Nonetheless, the PM holds the approval of 56% of Italians, having gained a boost in popularity for his handling of the Abruzzo earthquake.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

On Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 18-year-old Noemi Letizia in Naples, Italy. Facing a divorce threat, Silvio Berlusconi was quoted Monday, May 4, as demanding a public apology from his wife. (AP Photo/Franco Castan)

In this Feb. 12, 2008 file photo, Silvio Berlusconi, leader of the Italian opposition "Popolo delle Liberta'" (People of Freedom) party, looks on as he participates in a talk show. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

In this Friday June 24, 2004 file photo, Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, right, and wife Veronica Lario wait for President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush in Rome. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

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The impudence and shamelessness of power offends the credibility of all women, damages women in general and especially those who have always struggled to defend their rights.
- Victoria Lario

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Berlusconi Demands Apology From Wife