Controversial politician
85-year-old Berlusconi renounces candidacy for president
Former Italian Prime Minister and Forza Italia party leader Silvio Berlusconi smiles during taping of TV talk show ‘Porta a Porta’
© Andrew Medichini/AP/DPA
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is not running for President after all. Because of a lack of chances of success?
Silvio Berlusconi has given up his candidacy for the presidency of Italy. At a virtual top-level meeting of centre-right parties on Saturday evening, the former prime minister announced that he was withdrawing from the race for the highest political position. The party leader of Forza Italia was not even present at the video switch and had his decision read out, it said.
Silvio Berlusconi for right-wing joint candidate
The 85-year-old politician had recently tried hard to win enough voters for the votes that begin on Monday. Now the four-time head of government, who, in addition to his political appearance, has made a name for himself through scandals and criminal proceedings, is now demanding a joint proposal for a candidate from the right-wing parties Forza Italia, Lega and Fratelli d’Italia. Lega boss Matteo Salvini said the centre-right now has “the honor and responsibility to make its proposals”.
Favorite Mario Draghi
Most recently, Prime Minister Mario Draghi was the favorite for the election – but Berlusconi is urging Draghi to remain in his current position. Other party leaders are also against changing the former head of the ECB, which could result in early new elections.