This is a very concerning trend. Although Berlusconi has always basically been a neo-fascist, it seems like in more and more countries measures like
these are being implemented.
More relevant quotes from the article:
Mr Berlusconi, 71, will now be able to use as many as 3,000 soldiers for up to six months in order to fight crime. Previously, the use of the army
had to be agreed by the parliament beforehand. The first destination for the troops is likely to be Naples, where Mr Berlusconi faces violent
opposition to his plans for dealing with the city's rubbish crisis.
Another controversial measure in the package will eventually see illegal immigrants imprisoned for up to four years. Landlords who rent homes to
illegal immigrants will have their properties seized. Mr Berlusconi has pinned much of the blame for Italy's crime problem on immigrants and has vowed
to "wash the piazzas clean of uncertainty". Immigrants who claim to have family in Italy will be given DNA tests.
The proposals were recently covered by Systematik
here, and
here. They have now been approved and we'll soon be ratified.
However, Mr Berlusconi's enormous majority in the Senate easily overwhelmed the opposition. The measure will now be ratified by the Lower House of
parliament. No date has been set, but the parliament has 30 days in which to carry out a vote.
(visit the link for the full news article)
