Navigation
Hair Loss News Archives
July 2005
Hair transplants hold key to power, says Berlusconi
July 2005
Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's image-conscious prime minister, has urged his party
chief in Sicily to follow his example and have a hair transplant in a novel
attempt to prevent defeat at the next election.
Angelino Alfano, 35, a rising political star, but who is balding, admitted to La
Repubblica yesterday that rumours doing the rounds in parliament about his
boss's instruction were "true".
Asked if the prime minister had given him advice, the MP replied: "Coming from
him it's like an offer you can't refuse."
Mr Berlusconi, a media tycoon who rarely appears in public without make-up, is
known as a perfectionist and stickler for visual detail.
In the past he has urged young politicians in his stable to do away with facial
hair, for which he has a dislike bordering on obsession.
But hair on the head is another matter. The premier sees it as essential for a
man to be a winner. After having his election posters airbrushed for years, last
year Mr Berlusconi underwent a transplant.
The news was confirmed last August when it emerged that the Italian leader had
greeted Tony Blair on holiday in Sardinia sporting a bandana to cover signs of
the operation. Now he has a notable head of hair.
Mr Berlusconi's "invitation" to Mr Alfano comes 10 months before he wants
national elections. Despite trying to buy time to win back popular support, he
is widely expected to be given a drubbing with voters defecting in droves to the
centre-Left opposition because of the disastrous state of the economy during his
term.
Of special concern is Sicily, where disaffection with his alliance is now
palpable.
Judging by the profuse new growth for some time visible on Mr Berlusconi's own
head, Mr Alfano is likely to have ample time successfully to tend to his own
before Italy is called to the polls.