Greens demand probe after Berlusconi win

Series Title
Series Details Vol.7, No.20, 17.5.01, p7
Publication Date 17/05/2001
Content Type

Date: 17/05/01

GREEN MEPs have called on the Commission to launch a competition probe into Silvio Berlusconi's power over the Italian media.

In a joint statement, Green group President Heidi Hautala, Vice president Monica Frassoni and European Free Alliance MEP Nelly Maes say the new prime minister enjoys "almost total media control" in Italy.

As well as owning the country's biggest private TV chain, he now assumes responsibilities for public service broadcaster RAI. "This is clearly incompatible with European law and has to be solved as soon as possible," they say.

Berlusconi, who has promised to resolve any conflict of interests, was congratulated on his victory by the leader of the Parliament's centre-right group, Hans-Gert Pöttering. "This election victory is positive for European policy," he said.

Green MEPs have called on the Commission to launch a competition probe into Silvio Berlusconi's power over the Italian media.

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