Why is it that powerful men always seem to screw the wrong woman at the wrong time? (and by this, I do not mean to imply that there is a right woman at a right time.) The latest sex scandal to hit Europe is centered in Italy, and has embroiled Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi.

Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi looks much younger than his 72 years. This is probably a good thing if the rumors are true that he has not only been cavorting with beautiful young women, but paying them to attend "private parties" as well. Unfortunately for Mr. Berlusconi, he may be in jeopardy of losing his job.

The scandal first hit the airwaves when his wife announced she was filing for divorce and explained her reasons for doing so. Since then, Berlusconi has been caught in a virtual sh*t storm of accusations.

Allegations of private parties booked through escort services have surfaced through some of the girls themselves. One of the women involved in the scandal claimed that her hostess co-worker spent the night with Berlusconi while they were both paid hostesses at one of the parties. Miss Montereale explained that she was not "an escort", but that her nickname as hostess was "long thighs". Her responsiblity at the parties was akin to that of a secretary. Only, instead of organizing files, she organized the other hostesses to ensure that all the "guests" were attended to.

Not surprisingly, Berlusconi has denied the accusations, calling it a "smear campaign" from opposing political parties. The story has been in limelight on the world stage largely because Italy is scheduled to host the G-8 summit in July.

The newspapers are divided over the scandal, but Berlusconi still has a lot of public support. In what appears to me to be a sign of the importance of Catholicism in Italy, a leftist newspaper has quoted an angry priest about the public outcry he has received over the matter.

According to Reuters, a prominent Italian businessman has suggested Berlusconi get over the scandal by  re-marrying, perhaps someone along the lines of model Carla Bruni.

Earlier this year, Berlusconi made headlines after the earthquake in Italy when he told a woman doctor that she could resuscitate him any time. Apparently, the woman was not offended and considered the comments as gallant. I think in this country perhaps only Bill Clinton could get away scot-free after a remark like that.