Berlusconi declares state of "national emergency" over immigrants

[ck4829]

The Italian government of Silvio Berlusconi is facing strong criticism from the country's opposition over the declaration of a national state of emergency to deal with the "exceptional and persistent influx" of irregular immigrants.

The controversial measure was announced on Friday (25 July), with interior minister Roberto Maroni saying it was aimed at "intensifying efforts to combat and control the (immigration) phenomenon."

As part of the move, the interior ministry plans to increase the number of intake places throughout the country - labelled "centres for identification and expulsion".

The decision came shortly after Italy passed another controversial piece of law that would make undocumented migration a criminal offence punishable by six months to four years in prison. The law also allows that property rented to such an immigrant can be confiscated.

http://euobserver.com/9/26551

Every day, this guy is appearing more and more of a fascist.

[leveymg]

1. A year ago, it looked like Silvio, himself, was going to jail. WTF?

How come this guy can now delegate himself emergency powers to scapegoat some helpless minority group?