91998E3161

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3161/98

by Antonio Tajani (PPE) to the Commission

(12 October 1998)

Subject: Video games and protection of the rights of citizen and political leader Silvio Berlusconi

Is the Commission aware that in many amusement arcades for young people there is an Austrian-made video game (Photo Play 2000 Trivial Pursuit - Fun World - Brunnenweg, A - 4810 Gmunden, Austria ) in which players have to answer questions, one of which is: "Who was the first Italian crook to be arrested in the notorious bribes scandal known as Tangentopoli?", there being a choice of three replies: Silvio Berlusconi, Bettino Craxi, or Mario Chiesa (the correct reply)?

What measures does the Commission intend to take to withdraw from the market a game which suggests to young people that the leader of the opposition in Italy might be a crook arrested for political corruption?

Does the Commission not believe that there has been an infringement of the rights of European citizen and politician, Silvio Berlusconi, whose political strength is represented in the European Parliament by the largest Italian delegation?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 1998)

The Commission takes the view that it has no jurisdiction in this matter.