ROME — The Italian Senate on Wednesday expelled former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi from Parliament over a tax-fraud conviction, ending, for now, his two-decade legislative run but not his political career.
Berlusconi, 77, has warned that the unprecedented move would embarrass Italy internationally. He maintained his defiance as the Senate voted, declaring Wednesday a “day of mourning for democracy” before thousands of cheering, flag-waving supporters outside his Rome palazzo.
Even though Berlusconi won’t hold a seat in Parliament, he is expected to remain influential in Italian politics. He has relaunched his Forza Italia party and still commands millions of loyal supporters.
While his lawyers chart possible legal challenges and his allies move into Italy’s opposition, Berlusconi’s fans massed in front of his palazzo for a rally that analysts said was essentially the start of his next electoral campaign.
Berlusconi still faces a seven-year prison term and ban from public office for his conviction of paying an underage prostitute for sex and trying to cover it up. He plans to appeal.