Last but not least: How the media can be the downfall of statesmen
Two European heads of state are causing a media stir these days—neither of them directly because of their political activities. Berlusconi once again called a TV station and ranted during a live broadcast. Sarkozy surprised everyone on Facebook with his supposed resignation.
Just last November, Berlusconi appeared on a Rai Tre political program to explain his views and - once live on air - to berate the presenter (see video 1). This Monday, the head of government called the private channel La 7, which was reporting critically on his sex affairs. He insulted the presenter as "despicable, vile and disgusting" and described the program as a "disgusting TV brothel" (see video 2). What else can you say? Publicity for the broadcaster.
In addition to his ambitious program for the G20 presidency, Sarkozy also made headlines. For a short time, his Facebook account that he was stepping down as president. Wrong of course, Sarkozy is not the first president to announce his resignation via a social network. He was merely the victim of a hacker attack. Luckily for him, the hacker apparently had a problem with spelling. The message was quickly recognized as a hoax and disappeared again after 15 minutes. Perhaps the attack will at least lead to Sarkozy visiting his account more often in future. A few more messages couldn't hurt. Micheline Calmy-Rey for example, is much more diligent.
