Is Berlusconi setting a bad example for EU accession countries?

Silvio Berlusconi, photo: CTK

Silvio Berlusconi upset many across Europe this week when he compared a European Parliamentarian to a Nazi concentration camp guard - but even before this happened on the second day of Italy's EU Presidency many were saying he's not a good example for countries preparing to join the EU. He's been given immunity from prosecution on charges of bribing judges and he controls much of Italy's mass media.

Martin Schulz, photo: CTK

With Europe trying to project a democratic image - it doesn't look good say the critics, that an EU leader is using Parliament to help solve his legal difficulties.

So what kind of example is Silvio Berlusconi, as Prime Minister during Italy's Presidency, setting for the other EU candidate countries?