Public Administration Minister Renato Brunetta had become a folk hero in Italy for his vow to modernize government offices and expel the idlers and slackers among the public workers. 

Since the Jewish population highly populates Italian finance, publishing and bureaucracy, and Jews have historically been referred to as "parasites", the question of hidden Semitic references arise.

Italy Minister Says Elites, Left Preparing "Coup" 
The New York Times; From Reuters; September 20, 2009

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's financial elite is working with elements of the left-wing opposition to overthrow Silvio Berlusconi's government, a prominent cabinet minister said on Sunday.

"There are irresponsible elites that are preparing a full blown coup d'etat," Public Administration Minister Renato Brunetta told the pro-government daily Il Giornale.

Brunetta, known for his outspoken remarks, did not name names, but said he was referring to "parasites" who populated Italian finance, publishing and bureaucracy and were using the left-wing opposition as a "taxi" to try to seize power.

"They are already planning it, this summer there were meetings and they even drew up a list of ministers and a government program," he told the newspaper owned by Berlusconi's brother.

The "elites" aimed to replace Berlusconi with a government made up of unelected technical experts whose real task would be to defend their own wealth and power, said Brunetta, whose drive to improve public sector efficiency have made him one of Berlusconi's most high profile and popular ministers."

Leaders of the opposition Democratic Party dismissed Brunetta's comments as "vulgar," "populist" and "delirious."

Berlusconi has been hit by a spate of scandals surrounding his private life in recent months, including allegations that a businessman paid women to sleep with him. His wife announced in May that she wanted a divorce over his womanising.

A poll published last week put the 72-year-old media tycoon's approval rating at 47 percent, still high by the standards of many European leaders, but down from 49 percent in July and 60 percent a year ago.

Speculation is growing that his centre-right government, elected in April 2008, may not last a full five-year term.

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/09/20/
world/international-uk-italy-minister-coup.html?_r=1

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