In the 1990's Italian politics was revolutionized with the rise to power of media magnate Silvio Berlusconi. Berlusconi, who once called himself a Socialist and supported the Socialist Party, rebranded himself as leader of Forza Italia (Forward Italy). He took the name from a soccer team. Berlusconi swept to victory gaining control over public media in addition to the private media already under his tutelage. His huge victory followed corruption scandals that engulfed the existing political parties in Italy. Berlusconi had his day and his following for more than 15 years. Meanwhile his enemies used the legal system against him...
