Policies of Silvio Berlusconi period because during the Cold War Italy had the strongest communist party in western Europe. Vladimir Putin has many times expressed his appreciation for the respect shown by the Italian Prime Minister towards the leadership of the Russian Federation. Silvio Berlusconi is among the most vocal supporters of closer ties between Russia and the European Union. In an article published to Italian media on 26 May 2002, he said that the next step in Russia's growing integration with the West should be EU membership. On 17 November 2005 he commented in regards to the prospect of such a membership that
Domestic policy of the Nicolas Sarkozy administration Domestic policy of the Nicolas Sarkozy administration The domestic policy of the Nicolas Sarkozy administration was led by François Fillon's government as soon as the president was elected, and the government appointed by the president. According to the French constitution, the government and the Prime Minister "determine and conduct the policy of the nation", that is to say, deal with the domestic policy, while the President of the Republic focuses on foreign relations. However, a modification of the constitution in 2001 shortened the presidential mandate from seven to five years, so that the presidency lasts the same time as the