**miramarco** @miramarco · 2018-06-22T17:13:08Z

miramarco @miramarco

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.

Jun 22, 2018, 17:13 · Web · 2 · 2

**miramarco** @miramarco · Jun 22, 2018, 17:20

**miramarco** @miramarco · Jun 22, 2018, 17:20

Jun 22, 2018, 17:20

miramarco @miramarco

itpol, uspol Show more

You may think that this strategy comes from Trump.

Well, Trump's administration is kind of doing that, but it's less effective because (1) Trump and his cronies usually *react* to stuff that is in the news, while Salvini can direct the discussions by choosing a new topic, and (2) journalists in the US are way more critical and competent than in Italy.

Salvini is actually achieving the dream Berlusconi has had for 20 years. How did he manage to do so? I'm still not quite sure.

**miramarco** @miramarco · Jun 22, 2018, 17:28

**miramarco** @miramarco · Jun 22, 2018, 17:28

Jun 22, 2018, 17:28

miramarco @miramarco

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.