There's honest opinion and then there's the ever loquacious Silvio...

 “In a few months I’m going to go away … go away from this s–t country … of which I’m sickened.” -- Did he or didn't he? Only Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi himself  and perhaps the police, know for sure ! (This upon details of prosecution transcripts which are leaked in Italy)

It's certainly not the kind of slogan that's going to fit onto a campaign sign, and most likely the sentiment suggests that the mercurial days of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi may be coming to an end.

The scandal plagued Italian leader is faced with a new one on the home front, as yet a bit more fall out from the prostitution scandal rears its political head, this time with whispers of extortion making the rounds of the Italian media.

The comment that has raised more than the normal amount of eyebrows for a fellow that raises them frequently, is part of a reported transcript from the prosecution which it is said has been viewed by the Reuters news agency.

A document that reportedly suggests that Berlusconi may be leaving the country soon and if his reported commentary is to be considered, he's happy to be leaving it all behind.

Judging by the financial mess that the country finds itself in these days, the social chaos and the weariness of his scandal plagued administration, Italians must be wishing that it was only oh so true...

Some reviews of the Berlusconi broadsides can be found below:

National Post-- Berlusconi walks back comments that he called Italy a "s--t country'
Guardian UK-- Berlusconi vows to leave "shitty" Italy in conversation recorded by police
Newscom.Au-- Phone leak reveals foul mouthed Berlusconi
Daily Beast-- Berlusconi's Choice words for Italy
Business Insider-- Berlusconi: "I Don't Give A F***, Italy Makes me feel like puking
New York Observer--  You May want to Reconsider that Italian Vacay: Berlusconi calls Italy "Shit Country"