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The country already has a law that punishes those who deface or mark non-personal property, with fines of up to €2,580 ($3,300) for buildings of special or artistic interest and home detention up to 30 days. Berlusconi is looking to tighten the regulations, introducing fines of up to €30,000 for vandalizing historic monuments and prison sentences of up to 40 days, which can be commuted to community service.

The existing law “doesn't discourage anyone,” said Andrea Amato, secretary of the National Anti-Graffiti Association. He added, however, that he doubted the new provisions would stop determined writers.

For his part, Berlusconi seemed to forget the Italian origins of the word he is combatting, stating that “in some of our cities, it feels as though we're in Africa rather than Europe.”