Italy 'as corrupt as it was two decades ago' Mr Berlusconi, who supports the current government, has repeatedly said the "Bribesville" scandal was a coup led by left-wing prosecutors against the parties that ruled Italy for more than 40 years after World War Two. Mario Monti took over an unelected government in November to save Italy from a Greek-style debt debacle, replacing Berlusconi, himself on trial for having sex with an under age prostitute and corrupting a public official. Mr Berlusconi's People of Liberty party has been the worst tarnished by the scandals, which are lifting support for populist, anti-establishment politicians.