I won't keep you updated about the latest horrible statements from Salvini, our Minister of the Interior, because it's utterly depressing.
I'm not sure if he believes in what he says; surely he believes in the power of his words. Every day he says something outrageous because he knows that the opposition is getting tired, weaker, and powerless, and that the bar keeps lowering.
It's not just about empowering racism in #Italy – it's also about defeating the opposition by wearing them out.
itpol Show more
My theories are:
(1) Berlusconi's desire was to be seen not as a tough person. He played with your selfish desire to be wealthier rather than with your anger. Salvini doesn't care.
(2) Berlusconi lived in a pre-Internet era, so most information was delivered by old media, which were filtered to avoid alienating audiences and to respect decorum. Social media do not have such a limit.
(3) Berlusconi was toast after the 2008 financial crisis. Salvini's #Italy is in a worse position.