In recorded conversation with person blackmailing him.
Michael Sohn / AP Photo
Not exactly the most encouraging words from your prime minister. In the transcript of a telephone conversation between Silvio Berlusconi and the editor of a small newspaper in July—during the financial crisis—the prime minister seemed frustrated with investigations into his sex life. Berlusconi, expressing disgust that he was being blackmailed, said, “In a few months, I'm getting out to mind my own fucking business, from somewhere else, and so I'm leaving this shitty country of which I'm sickened." Meanwhile, an Italian businessman and wife were arrested on charges of blackmailing Berlusconi.