Berlusconi probed over use of gov’t plane

ROME — Prosecutors are investigating Premier Silvio Berlusconi for alleged improper use of a government plane, a charge the Italian leader dismissed Thursday as politically motivated.

Prosecutors in Rome opened an investigation after photos surfaced showing friends, entertainers and starlets flown in with a government plane for parties at Berlusconi’s vacation villa in Sardinia.

In a complaint brought by a consumer group, Berlusconi was accused of abuse of power and prosecutors are expected to forward the case to a special court that deals with alleged crimes committed by government officials.

Berlusconi said the guests had been flown in to provide entertainment during a state visit by Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek.

In an interview with SKY TG24 television, Berlusconi said he was sure the case would be dismissed because the guests had traveled with him, maintaining that their presence aboard had no cost for taxpayers.

The conservative premier called the accusations “petty” and suggested they were timed to coincide with this week’s European Parliament elections. In judicial troubles stemming from his business interests, the media-mogul-turned politician has often depicted himself as the victim of left-leaning magistrates.

“Opening an investigation three days before a vote is shocking,” Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said, adding that the rules allowed the premier to travel with guests.

Center-left leader Dario Franceschini compared the case to the lawmakers’ expense scandal in Britain and said the premier was giving a bad example at a time of economic hardship.

The opposition has also charged that Berlusconi has nearly tripled the use of government flights from the previous leftist administration.