Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi sparked fury in the European Parliament today when he compared a German socialist lawmaker with a Nazi concentration camp commander.
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Mr Berlusconi was responding to criticism of his personal legal troubles and his major Italian media interests by German MEP Mr Martin Schulz.
"Mr Schulz, I know there is in Italy a man producing a film on the Nazi concentration camps. I would like to suggest you for the role of leader. You'd be perfect," Mr Berlusconi exclaimed to jeers in the chamber.
He refused to withdraw the remark when given the opportunity by European Parliament President Mr Pat Cox, who expressed regret at the offence caused to Mr Schulz and said he believed it would be appropriate "to correct the record in this regard".