[1]With his ratings at record lows, scandal-hit Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Thursday quipped his party should change its name to "Go Pussy!" in the latest gaffe likely to incense swathes of voters.
"We will change the name of the People of Freedom because people no longer carry it in their hearts," the 75-year-old told lawmakers from his ruling coalition in parliament, Italian news media reported. "We will examine any suggestions," he added.
Berlusconi then reportedly joked: "I'm told the name that would have the biggest success is 'Go Pussy!'"
The billionaire tycoon first entered the political arena in the early 1990s with a party called "Go Italy!" - a popular football chant.
"I have to say Berlusconi's latest quip wasn't bad," said Antonio Borghesi, a parliamentarian from the Italy of Values opposition party.
"'Go Pussy!' just about sums up his lifestyle and his way of doing politics." Berlusconi's jokes - often vulgar and misogynistic - have provoked the ire of feminists, anti-racism campaigners and the Catholic Church.
Leading Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco has denounced "behaviour that is contrary to public dignity" and "difficult to reconcile with institutional decorum".
Aldo Di Biagio, another Berlusconi critic from the right-wing Future and Freedom party, said: "Berlusconi should stop coming to parliament to tell ridiculous jokes to his deputies who are running away."
"His time is up. He should resign for the good of Italy."
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/berjpgcropdisplayjpg-079