Crowds In Rome Jubilant Over Berlusconi's Departure - Reuters

[WillyT]

Crowds in Rome jubilant over Berlusconi's departure
By Paolo Biondi and Giuseppe Fonte - Reuters
Sat Nov 12, 2011 2:55pm EST

<snip>

ROME, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Crowds gathered at government buildings on Saturday celebrating the imminent departure of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi after parliament cleared the way for his resignation by approving a budget aimed at rescuing Italy from financial crisis. Hundreds of demonstrators waving banners mocking Berlusconi flocked to the president's residence at the Quirinale Palace waiting for the arrival of the billionaire media entrepreneur who has been Italy's longest serving prime minister.

In a statement issued after his final cabinet meeting, Berlusconi confirmed he would go to see President Giorgio Napolitano to hand in his resignation, bringing an end to one of the most scandal-plagued periods in recent Italian history.

An orchestra near the palace played the Hallelujah chorus from Handel's Messiah. "We are here to rejoice," one of the musicians said. Demonstrators chanting "resign, resign, resign" and "clown, clowns, clowns" also gathered outside the prime minister's office and parliament, whistling and heckling ministers as they walked between the two buildings.

A small group of pro-Berlusconi demonstrators gathered outside his residence but were outnumbered by opponents.

<snip>

Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/12/italy-idUSL5E7MC04820111112

:kick:

[malaise]

1. So will he be sent to the hague for looting the Treasury?

I wonder!

[MADem]

2. Ciao BRUTO-Stronzo! Love the Italian way of celebrating, with a superb musical choice and

champagne (I hope it was, in actual fact, Asti!)....

[RagAss]

3. Good...He and Paterno can hang out now.

[DCBob]

4. Maybe a new beginning for Ittaly..

and hopefully get their shit together. Buona fortuna!