Italy's billionaire former leader Silvio Berlusconi lashed out at the European Union on Sunday as he appealed to the populist right and called for "less Europe" at a Northern League demonstration. The 79-year-old controversial politician - whose Forza Italia party ranks fourth in polls - addressed thousands of protesters during a demonstration in the northern city of Bologna.
Berlusconi proposed a programme with "fewer taxes, less state involvement and less Europe" as well as "more help to those who need it, more guarantees and more security". The ex-prime minister and media tycoon tossed out a series of questions to the crowd, asking them if they wanted a Europe that imposed taxes, sanctions and austerity.
"Are you still willing to support a Europe that imposes taxes and austerity?" he asked, with the demonstrators giving a resounding "no" in response.