The outcome of Silvio Berlusconi’s trial will have little effect on Italy’s government – for now

Last week saw convictions for former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for abuse of office and underage prostitution. Mattia Guidi writes that while Berlusconi is still an important part of Italy’s relatively new coalition government, the conviction is likely to have little effect, as his party, the Popolo della Libertà has suffered a decline in support, and fresh elections would leave it in no better a position. While Berlusconi’s place in the Italian Senate may be safe for now, that may still change by the end of the year if his appeal against an earlier conviction for tax fraud fails