Berlusconi wins, Alitalia loses

With Silvio Berlusconi’s expected victory in this week’s elections, Air France-KLM is “poised to walk away from a deal” to acquire failing and flailing state airline Alitalia, reports the Telegraph. Berlusconi has expressed his hostility to the proposed deal, already on the rocks due to union opposition, calling it “unacceptable and, indeed, offensive for our country.” His protectionist tack includes support for adequate Italian bids for the airline, which failed to materialize over the past two years of soliciting bids. Meanwhile, Alitalia is running out of cash and may lose its license. Stay tuned…