Excuse me?
Posted on 04/17/2008 4:06:32 PM PDT by blam
Silvio Berlusconi's jibe at Spanish women
By Fiona Govan in Madrid
Last Updated: 1:26am BST 17/04/2008
Spain and Italy were embroiled in a war of words on Wednesday after Silvio Berlusconi criticised his Spanish counterpart for appointing so many women to his cabinet.
In one of the first interviews after being elected Italy's prime minister for the third time, Mr Berlusconi attacked Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's government, describing it as "too pink".
Speaking about Mr Zapatero's decision to give nine out of 17 cabinet positions to women, he said: "Now he's asked for it. He'll have problems leading them."
advertisement Mr Berlusconi, who won a sweeping victory in this week's election, told Italian state radio: "Zapatero has formed a government that is too pink, something which we cannot do in Italy because there is a prevalence of men in politics and it isn't easy to find women who are qualified for government."
His comments caused outrage in Spain as the new parliament was inaugurated by King Juan Carlos.
Magdalena Alvarez, the infrastructure minister in the Socialist government, described Mr Berlusconi's remarks as "absolutely inappropriate" and an "offence to citizens".
"Many of us women would never belong to a government headed by Mr Berlusconi," she said.
Others urged Mr Berlusconi to follow Mr Zapatero's lead.
"In Italy, as in Spain, there are enough women sufficiently qualified, intelligent and capable of being ministers or occupying other government posts," said Elena Valenciano, the Spanish Socialist Party's secretary for international relations.
"It would benefit politics and society in Italy."
Mr Berlusconi's comments added to the debate in Spain over Mr Zapatero's appointment of women to key positions in his cabinet, following his win in the March 9 election.
Mr Zapatero raised eyebrows at home by appointing a heavily pregnant woman as defence minister.
Carme Chacon, 37, made her first inspection of troops on Monday wearing a loose-fitting maternity blouse.
Many Spanish women stressed the importance of the image.
Marisa Sotelo, president of the Madrid-based Women's Foundation, said it was "important precisely because it conveys normality... it shows that women can be and are everywhere."
Mr Zapatero has championed equality since he first rose to power in March 2004 and consolidated his position as self-confessed feminist with his choice of cabinet in his second term, saying: "I feel very proud that there are more women ministers than men."
In contrast, Mr Berlusconi, who makes no secret of his chauvinism, promises to include "at least four women" in his cabinet.
Speculation in Rome suggests that Stefania Prestigiacomo, a party ally, and Mara Carfagna, a former model, television presenter and Miss Italy contestant, could win cabinet posts.
During the election, Mr Berlusconi claimed that women with Right-wing political views were more attractive than those on the Left.
"As for our women candidates being more beautiful, I can say that because in parliament they have no competition."
What ever happened to the stripper that ran for office in Italy?
Spanish police have arrested 87 Nigerians suspected of defrauding at least 1,500 people in a postal and internet lottery scam.
Excuse me?
Berlusconi sounds like my Step Brother. Why is it that every Italian Male leads with his chin.
Goya! One of the best things about Spain.
Tangentially related, the Boston Museum of Fine Art has a show coming up, "El Greco to Velazquez: Art during the Reign of Philip III Sunday, April 20, 2008 - Sunday, July 27, 2008."
Reason enough to visit Boston.
Damn, but I look marvelous...
;^)
And thanks for the info. It would be nice to get myself up to Boston for the exhibit.
Love all the Spanish greats (excluding the egotistical unpatriotic marxist Picasso — his politics and character mind you, NOT his art!
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