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Presidential election in Italy: Berlusconi does not run
Well not. Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has decided not to run in the upcoming presidential elections. This was announced by the 85-year-old former prime minister on Saturday. The scandal-ridden media entrepreneur let it be known in October that he was available for the post. However, experts and political observers assumed that Berlusconi would hardly get the necessary broad support for an election victory. Also because he is still dealing with processes related to his infamous “Bunga Bunga” sex parties more than a decade ago. Parliament in Rome meets on January 24th to elect a new head of state. There are no official candidates. However, the party leaders usually try to negotiate a candidate who is acceptable to the respective sides. However, the election by secret ballot often lasts several days. Prime Minister Mario Draghi has also signaled an interest in the presidency. If he is elected, a new leader would have to be found for the unity government in the midst of the corona pandemic, or the parliamentary elections would have to be brought forward by a year. The head of state in Italy is elected for a term of seven years and, like in Germany, has largely representative and formal tasks. However, the role has become increasingly important in recent years. Incumbent Sergio Mattarella had to intervene several times to mediate in political crises.
The former prime minister signaled his interest in October. The head of state in Italy is elected for a term of seven years and, like in Germany, has largely representative and formal tasks.