61421 The problem runs deep as the investigation on Mr. Berlusconi was a part of the cleanup operation that subsequently became the catalyst for prompting the fall of such postwar politics.
61422 As well, Mr. Berlusconi simultaneously took hold of both the media and political power, which further complicated the problem.
61423 Dubbed as the "Media King," Mr. Berlusconi attempted to further the control of the television networks even after taking office.
61424 Having taken control over three of the seven major national television stations in Italy, Fininvest made an attempt to have under its control the three government-run television stations that had a competitive relationship with the company.
61425 It is a rule in democratic society that mass media keep an arm's length from the political power and to maintain the appropriate tension between the two.
61426 Mr. Berlusconi openly trampled this rule.
61427 It has been reported that he said, "It is an aberration for the government-run television stations to oppose the government chosen by the majority of the citizens," and we must say that such a statement is an extremely unreasonable, disregarding the relationship between media and authority in a democratic society.
61428 It is a tragedy for Italy that its people had no other choice but to leave their hopes for complete political reform in the hands of such a person, but by taking this opportunity we hope the country will embrace the clean sweep of political corruption.
61429 The stance of the prosecution, holding its own under the political pressure, to go ahead with questioning the sitting prime minister and the trend of public opinion that supported the prosecution hold promise.
61430 Another point that cannot be overlooked is that regionalism, a unique characteristic of this country, seems to be behind the scenes of political change.
61431 It was no accident that out of the three major ruling parties, the Northern League turned its back on the prime minister.
61432 This regional party, which speaks for the interest of the North and insists on forming a federation with the have-not South, was in conflict with other ruling parties.
61433 It is evident that there was this fragile political culture in Italy with a large gap between North and South behind the en masse resignation of the Cabinet.
61434 Overcoming this regionalism will also be a challenge for the future.
61435 The Christian Democratic Party and the Socialist Party that had lead Italian politics after the end of World War II were dissolved one after the other last year.