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Italy's president snubs Steinbrück over 'clowns'
Published: 27 Feb 13 15:54 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20130227-48235.html
The Social Democrat who is challenging Chancellor Angela Merkel in this year's election has been snubbed by Italian president who has cancelled a planned meeting after he called two of the candidates in Italian elections "clowns."
- Germany says Italy must reform despite deadlock - Politics (26 Feb 13)
- EU Parliament chief warns Italy off Berlusconi - Politics (21 Feb 13)
Commenting on the inconclusive vote in Italy, Steinbrück said late on Tuesday he was "downright appalled that two clowns won."
He said that while former comedian turned anti-corruption firebrand Beppe Grillo was a "professional clown with nothing against being called that", former premier Silvio Berlusconi was "a clown with a particular testosterone surge".
Government officials such as Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle have called on Italy to continue on the path of reform under outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti that led to improved confidence in the financial markets.
Former finance minister Steinbrück has proved a gaffe-prone candidate as he gears up to challenge Merkel for the leadership of Europe's top economy and political powerhouse in elections on September 22.
His campaign got off to a poor start after revelations that he pocketed some 1.25 million euros ($1.64 million) for speeches at private functions.
He then caused offence when he said that Merkel gets a "bonus from women" and complained that the 17,000 euros per month that the chancellor earns is not enough.
Napolitano was due to have met Steinbrück for dinner on Wednesday and is due to meet his German counterpart Joachim Gauck on Thursday, as well as Merkel.
AFP/hc
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Your comments about this article:
He is cut from the same cloth as Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry (who by the way served in Vietnam).
They may not agree with Italian politians but those that live in glass houses etc!!!
Because it would be better than overweight,over payed ,overbearing , traitors like him above.
P.S. that wasn't over the top was it ?.over.
The Fail is called Berlusconi, not Steinbrück.
@ Repatriated - I will admit that Biden can be a bit out of hand at times but nothing like Peer here. As for Kerry, he was born diplomatic and remains so. Want a real American clown..try George Bush Jr.....
http://www.catsthatlooklikehitler.com/cgi-bin/seigmiaow.pl
Hey Peer, if Beppo and Berlusconi are clowns then what is Mario Monti? The answer: a leader of the Trilateral Commission, a senior Bilderberger AND and international advisor to Goldman-Sachs, who was selected and appointed by the international banksters to run Italy as an unelected technocrat.
Well Steinbrück, have you anything to say about him? Of course not. Silence. The check is in the mail.
For those of you not keeping score, Steinbrück was invited to the Bilderberg Conference in Switzerland in 2011, where he was told to take a dive in the fight against Angie. Just like Hitlery was ordered to stand down against Obama at Bilderberg 2008, Peer was given his marching orders and is now doing his utmost to make sure that Angela Merkel remains Chancellor. Look for Peer to land a fat job with Goldman at the end of his 'failed' political career.