Party Leaders Merge, Berlusconi's Position Strengthened

The National Alliance party, founded by the political heirs of Benito Mussolini, has united with Silvio Berlusconi's People of Freedom Party. This move comes as Gianfranco Fini, 57, the former of the NA party has tried to legitimize the former NA party and rid them of their fascist ties. Analysts also believe that Fini is putting himself in a position to try and succeed Berlusconi, who is 72.
There has said to be tension amongst Fini and Berlsuconi, as Fini has said he wants a strong voice in the party. He also hopes the unification will strengthen the country as a whole.
"Berlusconi knows that his strong and recognised leadership can in no way become a personality cult. We must guarantee that People of Freedom is not the party of one person, but of one country," said Fini.
As of this week Berlusconi has an approval rating in the country around 58%. The opposition party has fallen apart in the last month and pose no soon threat to Berlusconi's power.

Italy (Andrew Johnson)

National Alliance Merges with Berlusconi's Party

The National Alliance (AN) has agreed to fold their party into Berlusconi's 'People of Freedom.' The group consists of center-right conservatives. The National Alliance is the second largest force in the governing coalition.

The National Alliance has been an ally of the the Forza party (Berlusconi's) since the 1990s and ran with him under his winning election last year.

AN leader Gianfranco Fini has not always agreed with Berlusconi's views, however as for the merging of the parties, he seems agreeable as long as the AN continues to have their say in views. The AN consists of post-fascists which came together as the successor of the Italian Social Movement created by supporters of Mussolini after his death in 1945 and the fascist movement was outlawed.

-Jamie Bezozo
Italy