Berlusconi in hint at successor
Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi says his justice minister could succeed him as the conservative party leader, further signalling his intention not to seek re-election when his term ends in 2013.
Mr Berlusconi announced in December that he would probably step aside at the end of the legislature in 2013. His comments to foreign journalists strengthened the likelihood that his nearly two decades in power are coming to an end.
The 74-year-old said he might still be involved in party politics in an elder statesman’s role, but would not play “an active role in the government.”
He will, however, consult the polls before making any decision.
For premier, Mr Berlusconi gave the nod to justice minister Angelino Alfano, at 40 seen as a rising star of Italian politics.
Mr Berlusconi also dismissed speculation he might campaign to become president of the republic, a largely ceremonial role elected by parliament. He said his right-hand man of many years, Gianni Letta, a widely respected figure, was an “extraordinary candidate” for the job.
Mr Berlusconi stepped into politics in 1994 from his media empire, winning elections within months of forming a political party. Since then, he has run in every election, winning two more times and losing twice. The premier is also Italy’s longest-serving premier, having survived corruption allegations, international gaffes and, more recently, sex scandals.
A Sicilian and close Berlusconi ally, Mr Alfano is the man behind a highly controversial justice reform that includes a measure critics charge was tailor-made to save the premier from an ongoing trial. The lower house was voting on the measure today amid high tensions.
During a wide-ranging conversation with foreign journalists, Mr Berlusconi also discussed his close ties with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The Italian leader said, because of these ties, he even considered resigning when the international coalition was formed to impose a no-fly zone over Libya. Italy eventually took part in the coalition – a decision Mr Berlusconi said was fraught with “personal difficulties” – allowing Nato use of seven bases in Italy and employing its own aircraft.
The vote over the justice measure was seen as an important test of solidity since Mr Berlusconi’s allies have been asked to close ranks on it.
If passed in parliament, the measure would effectively end a corruption trial where Mr Berlusconi is a defendant next month, accused of bribing British lawyer David Mills. The Italian premier denies the charge.
It is one of four active cases against Berlusconi, including a sensational sex trial that began this month in which he is accused of paying for sex with a minor and using his influence to try cover it up.
Mr Berlusconi has denounced the allegations as laughable and lashed out at prosecutors, who he said are intent on ousting him from power.
Critics say the justice measure puts at risks several important cases, such as one following a deadly train explosion in 2009. The opposition has filibustered against the bill and activists have protested outside parliament. Berlusconi supporters say the measure helps speed up Italy’s clogged judicial system.
