# Berlusconi: No immunity, no impunity URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/berlusconi-no-immunity-no-impunity Type: News Published: 2013-11-28 Updated: 2019-11-19 --- ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Flickr_Andres-Ubierna_620.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=620&h=348.75) 28 November 2013 When the Italian Senate voted on 27 November to expel Silvio Berlusconi, former prime minister of Italy, media billionaire and the dominating force in Italian politics for the past two decades, they also took away the special immunity to legal prosecution afforded to lawmakers. It sent out a strong message: no one is above the law. For years Berlusconi has dodged the judiciary. Many believed that his conviction for tax fraud in October 2012 would not be [upheld in August this year](http://www.economist.com/blogs/charlemagne/2013/08/silvio-berlusconi "http://www.economist.com/blogs/charlemagne/2013/08/silvio-berlusconi") but it was, forcing the vote on his expulsion from the Senate. Berlusconi has, over the years, not only profited from his parliamentary immunity to stay out of jail, but also from his political power to amend laws and [reduce statutes of limitations](http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/06/world/italian-lawmakers-pass-reform-seen-as-rescuing-its-premier.html?n=Top%2FReference%2FTimes%20Topics%2FSubjects%2FE%2FEthics "http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/06/world/italian-lawmakers-pass-reform-seen-as-rescuing-its-premier.html?n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fSubjects%2fE%2fEthics") on corruption cases to avoid prosecution. This should now stop. The rule of law, the very foundation of a strong democracy, should now be applied to Berlusconi in the same way it would apply to any ordinary citizen. He does, of course, have the wealth to fund the best legal defence, but he no longer has the power to change laws in his favour. A Milan court has barred him from holding public office for two years. ### National integrity at stake Transparency International undertook [a study](http://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/pub/money_politics_and_power_corruption_risks_in_europe "http://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/pub/money_politics_and_power_corruption_risks_in_europe") of the main institutions in Italy as part of our European-wide assessment of how well countries fight corruption. Strengthening the judiciary, maintaining its independence from the executive and enforcing anti-corruption laws were key recommendations for Italy. The government has finally approved the [Anti-Corruption Law](http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/30/us-italy-corruption-idUSBRE89T1MT20121030 "http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/30/us-italy-corruption-idUSBRE89T1MT20121030") in Italy, but has done little to implement it and there are no mechanisms in place for monitoring its enforcement. Corruption is a cross-cutting issue in Italy and it affects the entire society. That someone as powerful as Berlusconi can be convicted of tax fraud and serve a prison sentence should act as a sign that there is no impunity. This could go some way to restore the confidence of the people in the judicial system – and moreover, in Italian democracy. ## Countries - [Italy](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/italy) For any press inquiries please contact ### You might also like... ## [Anti-corruption gaps are leaving democracy in Europe exposed](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/anti-corruption-gaps-leaving-democracy-europe-exposed) News • 15 September 2026 Too many European countries are failing to effectively implement and enforce their anti-corruption laws, while several are rapidly backsliding. ## [COP Talks: Formal Delegations, Informal Access](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cop30-formal-delegations-informal-access) News • 14 September 2026 Our analysis of EU delegations found 63 fossil fuel-linked representatives accredited through nine EU Member States at COP30, raising concerns over transparency and influence in… ## [Financial intelligence units: Powerful tools against corruption if governments let them work](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/financial-intelligence-units-powerful-tools-against-corruption) News • 24 June 2026 Financial intelligence units can help expose corrupt money flows – but only if governments give them the powers, access and independence to do the job. ## [One click away? The barriers investigators face across the EU when tracing asset ownership](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/barriers-investigators-face-across-eu-tracing-asset-ownership) News • 12 September 2025 From yachts and real estate to crypto accounts, knowing who really owns what is essential to uncovering corruption.