On Saturday, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi celebrated the 10th anniversary of his entry into politics at a rally in Rome, surrounded by cheering party loyalists. It was his first public appearence after a month-long absence, during which he apparently underwent cosmetic surgery.
But as NPR's Sylvia Poggioli reports, the media tycoon might look rejuvenated, but the new year got off to a bad start -- wildcat strikes, a major accounting scandal and growing criticism for what many see as a serious encroachment on freedom of speech.
Critics of Berlusconi's government say many journalists don't dare criticize the powers that be. Berlusconi is the richest man in Italy, controlling a media empire that includes the nation's biggest book publisher, three private television networks, the biggest film distributor, 50 magazines and Internet service providers.
Supporters say Berlusconi saved Italy from a Communist takeover of the government. But detractors say he uses his power over the media to silence critics and push through legislation that protects him from prosecution and benefits his business partners.
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