Berlusconi's supporters rally in Rome ahead of regional elections
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Thousands crowded San Giovanni Square on Saturday to support Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right People of Freedom Party at a national rally ahead of next week's regional elections.
On March 28 and 29 elections will be held in 13 out of Italy's 20 regions for the renewal of local governors and councils. The result is set to be crucial, a test for the governing body.
Voters of the People of Freedom Party came from all over Italy to express their support with flags, banners, posters, music and dances. The capital was completely jammed for several hours, while police helicopters flew over the square.
It was the biggest centre-right rally of the year, closing the electoral campaign. Most members of government were present and Berlusconi introduced the 13 candidates who will be running in next week's elections.
Repeatedly appealing to the slogan of the rally, "Love wins over hatred and envy," the premier attacked the opposition and some "politically" involved judges whom he believes are leading a campaign against him.
Italy's political scene has lately been rocked by fierce contrasts.
In some regions centre-right political lists, initially barred from the electoral campaign, have been readmitted by courts just a couple of days ago. The premier thus asked the judges to postpone the vote in the regions interested, including Latium.
Berlusconi condemned the recent telephone tapping where he is allegedly heard putting pressure on top officials to shut down critical television programs.
He described the tapping as "ridiculous," adding they were misused by the judiciary.
"We don't want a country where everyone is spied on but a country where there is freedom and individual rights are respected, " he said at the rally.
The premier listed all the government's accomplishments, recalling that families had been sustained during the crisis and "no one will ever be left behind by us."
The organizers had planned to attract more than a million people. According to the authorities, about 150,000 people were on the square. The supporters' enthusiasm was sky-high.
Marialuisa, 80 years old, came all the way from Ferrara, on the Adriatic coast, just to see the premier. "I like him a lot," she told Xinhua, waving a pro-Berlusconi flag. "He makes me feel safe. Go Silvio!"
People of all ages took part in the demonstration, even children. "I agree with the policies of the People of Freedom Party because I think they are right," said 8-year-old Francesco.
