The scandals and excesses in Silvio Berlusconi's life — a cause of embarrassment for the Italian people — are now a source of rising international concern, especially in Europe.
The Italian prime minister is a sorry endorsement for his country and the latest in his rather long list of legal woes is an appearance in court on charges of tax fraud.
Berlusconi has painted a very crude picture of his country and there are fears that he is driving Italy down the wrong lane in the face of rapidly declining international credibility.
In sharp focus in the continent is Italy's diplomatic position vis-à-vis Libya. Berlusconi was the last to join the anti-Gaddafi bandwagon thus greatly reducing Europe's international position on the Libyan crisis.
The imminent divorce between the two old ‘friends' will lead to a declining supply of energy by Libya, Italian business interests being affected and a rising flow of refugees into Italy.
Italy has substantial investments in Libya and if Gaddafi doesn't go, they will be severely affected. Conversely, if the Libyan crisis is solved then Italy will have to focus on protecting its interests. Either way a blow to the Italian economy is expected.
These are signs the prime minister must stop frolicking with damsels and start making some tough calls.
