Emma Bonino: 'No rule of law' in Italy under Berlusconi[fr][de] 

Bonino, who is staging a sit-in protest at the premises of state-owned RAI television, said that her protest was prompted by the non-compliance of the public broadcaster with a decision by the independent media watchdog to provide balanced air time to parties running in the European elections. The only one to enjoy full access to the media is that of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, she pointed out. 

As a result, she said the EU campaign in Italy was "a caricature", and many ordinary Italians did not even know what Sunday's vote was for. She described the fact that Berlusconi controls both the private and public media as "another Italian extravaganza". 

Bonino, who is one of four vice-presidents of the Italian senate, is running for the ALDE-affiliated 'Lista Emma Bonino', but in her words, only 3% of Italians know that such a political player exists. She said that the disregard of the authorities in the media sphere is only part of the picture. 

"It's not just for the media and information, but the justice system, the immigration system - the real problem is that there is no rule of law in my country," Bonino said.

The former commissioner was also critical to the entire political system, including the leftist opposition, which in her words "only tries to have a piece of the cake, instead of challenging the system". 

"The problem is that the opposition is a shambles, and the real point is to try to prepare for the future," Bonino said. 

Asked how she sees development in the EU, she said she felt bitter seeing the achievements of the European project being eroded day-by-day. 

"I see a quite strong return to nationalism, in the financial sector for instance, or the automotive sector. So not only we are not looking forward, but I'm afraid we are going backward to nationalism and protectionism," she said. 

Bonino attacked the Commission for being "very timid" on many issues recently, like the controversy over the treatment of Roma in Italy (EurActiv 30/06/08). She said the fact that Commission President José Manuel Barroso needs the support of Berlusconi to be reappointed explained this "shyness". 

Asked about her personal plans, Bonino said she would like to work in the field of EU common foreign and security policy.

To read the interview in full, please click here.