Italy’s ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is currently in campaign mode, but is apparently also ready for larger tasks: The 85-year-old brought the former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and himself into conversation as a possible mediator between Russia and Ukraine.
Berlusconi, who is currently fighting for a seat in Parliament, said on Wednesday evening on a Rai talk show that the conflict could only be ended through mediation. When asked if he could be an intermediary himself, he replied: “I think if there is one person who could act in my place or with me, it is Ms. Angela Merkel.”
The four-time Italian head of government, who has attracted attention not only for his political work but also for a number of scandals in recent years, is a friend of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. After Russia’s attack on Ukraine, it was only after some hesitation that Berlusconi revealed his disappointment in Putin and condemned Moscow’s aggression.
Now he emphasized that peace mediation requires someone who is “close” to Putin and who can also “intervene” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in order to achieve negotiations.
Before the Italian elections on September 25, some observers are worried about Berlusconi’s friendship with Putin and the connections of coalition partner Lega around party leader Matteo Salvini to Russia.
There are fears that a – highly likely – electoral victory for the centre-right bloc could weaken Italy’s consistent stance against Russia. Under Prime Minister Mario Draghi, the country was one of the most energetic advocates for sanctions.
Salvini has openly spoken out against further sanctions and arms deliveries for some time. Berlusconi also claimed on the TV show that Western sanctions were not harming Putin and that he was perfectly capable of fighting back.
