Is Brussels running scared? Silvio Berlusconi branded ‘Mafia boss’ by Senior EU MEP

Belgian MEP Philippe Lamberts made some striking comments about Italian former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. 

Silvio Berlusconi, in the run as ’s next Prime Minister, flew to Brussels to meet with EU chiefs and reassure them of the future relationship between Italy and the EU should he win the March 4 general election.

Mr Berlusconi met with Jean-Claude Juncker and President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani, to discuss the topics of immigration, security of the European borders and the relationship with Russia and Vladimir Putin.

The meeting has not been welcomed by everyone in Brussels. Belgian MEP Philippe Lamberts called Silvio Berlusconi a “criminal” comparing him to the famous Mafia boss in the film The Godfather. 

He said: “There is a criminal going around Brussels in a double-breasted suit pretending to be the Godfather of the People’s Party. 

“Junker should have refused to meet with him.”

With his trip to Brussels, Silvio Berlusconi confirmed his commitment to the European Union, which he called “essential”. 

Minutes after his private meeting with Mr Juncker and Mr Tajani, he said: “We spoke about the necessity of increasing the number of European guards at the borders, new Hotspot for migrants coming over to Italy and the relationship with Vladimir Putin which has to go back to being friendly.”

Silvio Berlusconi is the running candidate for his party Forza Italia. The former Italian Prime Minister though, will not be able to lead the country again unless a ban by the European Court of Human Rights is lifted against him. 

Silvio Berlusconi is also running in a pre-election coalition with Northern League’s leader Matteo Salvini and centre-right party Fratelli d’Italia. 

The parties have already clashed on the role of the EU and Italy’s membership to the bloc. 

Silvio Berlusconi proclaimed himself to be a strong pro-EU candidate whereas Matteo Salvini vowed to fight the EU until Brussels is prepared to listen to his demands. 

It is unclear whether Mr Salvini will be the chosen Prime Minister representing the coalition should the parties win as a group.