The Economist (premium content):
After ten years of ferocious dispute in various courts and after three convictions for dishonesty (all so far set aside on appeal or under statute of limitation), Mr Berlusconi is almost, but not quite, off the judicial hook. His current trials will resume when he leaves office. But the most pressing one, in Milan, where he is accused of having bribed judges in the 1980s to stop a food company from being sold to his arch-rival, Carlo De Benedetti, will have to start from scratch, as the term of office of one of the judges has expired and he must be replaced.
The Financial Times
Italy's lower house of parliament is expected today to vote to grant legal immunity to Silvio Berlusconi, the prime minister, freezing for the rest of his term a trial in which he is accused of bribing judges. Many deputies will back the measure in the belief that they are sparing their country embarrassment during Italy's six-month presidency of the European Union, which begins on July 1.
They are badly mistaken. Such a transparent manoeuvre is a deep embarrassment for both Italy and the EU, casting doubt over the quality of democracy citizens can expect. For a prime minister to use his parliamentary majority to set himself above the law in a case of blatant self-interest - and for that to be tolerated by other governments - throws a shadow over the entire EU.
[..] Other EU leaders are unlikely to dare to interfere. This bill is, nonetheless, an abuse of power. It diminishes Italy's standing and, by extension, that of EU leaders who turn a blind eye to it.
The Guardian
Italian legislators voted last night to pass an immunity law that will save the media tycoon Silvio Berlusconi from prosecution for as long as he is prime minister.
Deputies in the lower house of parliament approved a legal amendment proposed by Mr Berlusconi himself less than two months ago, which would protect Italy's five highest-ranking officials from trial while in office.
The legislation, rushed through at breakneck speed, brings to an abrupt halt Mr Berlusconi's trial in Milan on charges of corruption
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