Jean-Claude Juncker is “sickened” by Silvio Berlusconi’s words on German people and Holocaust denial. After two days, replying to the pressures coming from everyone around him, the candidate of the European People’s Party at the European Commission presidency wrote a strong condemnation letter against the leader of Forza Italia (which is still part of the EPP) and his latest words.
On Saturday in fact, during an electoral event in Milan, Berlusconi told for the umpteenth time the story of him saying to Martin Schulz (in 2003 a MEP) he was a “kapo”. Schulz is currently President of the European Parliament and candidate for the PES for the European Commission presidency. On the occasion of this event, Berlusconi added a new “pearl” to his collection, saying the thinks that Germans pretend that concentration camps “have never existed.” Everyone knows how the Holocaust is still an open wound in Germany instead – which both the government and the people do not want to hide. “I didn’t mean to offend him,” said Berlusconi, “but then the floodgates opened. Because you know, Germans think the concentration camps have never existed.”
“The recent statements by Mr Berlusconi have sickened me,” commented Juncker. “There are some things one does not make fun of. Mr Berlusconi, the Holocaust is no laughing matter!” The champion of the EPP for the European elections then called on “Mr Berlusconi to withdraw his statements immediately and to apologise to the survivors of the Holocaust and to the citizens of Germany.” Juncker has then warned the former Italian PM that “there is no place in European politics for divisive statements betraying the values on which our Union is based.” A threat of expulsion from the EPP?
The ‘head’ of Berlusconi was already asked on Saturday by the socialists. “Forza Italia cannot longer be part of the EPP” said Hannes Swoboda, S&D head at the European Parliament. “Mr Berlusconi’s statements are insulting the entire German people, not only Martin Schulz” said Sergei Stanishev, PES president. Martin Schulz had no choice but to reply. “Berlusconi is a synonym for hate, envy and fight, contradicting the essence of Italy, which is a marvellous country with amazing citizens.”
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