Silvio says ciao to dream of being president
Billionaire former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi withdrew on Saturday from the race for Italy’s presidency, two days before voting starts, but repeated his opposition to Prime Minister Mario Draghi taking the job.
The 85-year-old media mogul, who is still embroiled in legal proceedings over his infamous “bunga bunga” sex parties, insisted he had the support in parliament to win – something analysts doubted.
But in a statement issued to the media, he said he was withdrawing in the spirit of “national responsibility”, to avoid further controversy. “Today, Italy needs unity … I will continue to serve my country in other ways,” he said.
Mr Draghi, a former European Central Bank chief who has led Italy’s coalition government for the past year, remains the favourite to be elected head of state next week. However, the governing parties, which range from left to right, including Mr Berlusconi’s Forza Italia, have yet to reach a deal – and with voting secret, the result is notoriously hard to predict.
More than 1000 MPs, senators and regional representatives will begin voting on Monday, with several rounds – each taking a day – expected before a result.
Indicating he hopes to play the kingmaker, Mr Berlusconi said he would work with his right-wing allies to agree a candidate who can summon a “broad consensus” – but made clear it should not be Mr Draghi. He said the premier should stay to help implement structural reforms promised in return for almost €200bn ($316bn) in European Union funds, on which Italy is relying for its post-virus recovery.