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'Showgirl' Crack Is Berlusconi's Latest Gaffe

Italian business leader disturbed at PM's characterization of her

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted May 21, 2009 3:22 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Emma Marcegaglia runs Italy’s industrialist association and just might be the country’s most powerful woman. But that didn’t stop Silvio Berlusconi from likening her to a showgirl today, Reuters reports. Speaking to Marcegaglia’s organization, the gaffe-prone Italian premier recalled when “an usher told me a showgirl was there to see me. She was in great form, very elegant.”

Later, at another meeting, Marcegaglia responded, “Frankly, I have nothing against showgirls, but I prefer (to be known as) a serious person, a leader.” Velina, the epithet Berlusconi used to describe Marcegaglia, has become a buzzword for young, attractive women seeking public office. A more common nickname for Marcegaglia, the Times of London adds, is “Steel Lady.”

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi compared industrial leader Emma Marcegaglia to a showgirl.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi compared industrial leader Emma Marcegaglia to a "showgirl."   (Getty Images)
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi compared industrial leader Emma Marcegaglia to a showgirl.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi compared industrial leader Emma Marcegaglia to a "showgirl."   (AP Photo)
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi compared industrial leader Emma Marcegaglia to a showgirl.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi compared industrial leader Emma Marcegaglia to a "showgirl."   (AP Photo/Sandro Pace)
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi compared industrial leader Emma Marcegaglia to a showgirl.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi compared industrial leader Emma Marcegaglia to a "showgirl."   (AP Photo)
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi compared industrial leader Emma Marcegaglia to a showgirl.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi compared industrial leader Emma Marcegaglia to a "showgirl."   (AP Photo/Sandro Pace)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
matteo
May 21, 2009 9:11 AM CDT
people have really no clue how things work here in italy, what kind of morons are sent to report these things?? news have nothing to do with comments, and if one really must, at least get it right
kokuaguy
May 21, 2009 8:40 AM CDT
He didn't say it-- he's just too open and spontaneous. Obviously, he thought it would flatter her.

 
Italy • prime minister • Silvio Berlusconi • political scandal • insult • Veronica Lario • Emma Marcegaglia • showgirls

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