Former premier wants vote delayed

Silvio Berlusconi and fellow leaders of his splintering conservative party on Tuesday pressed for a delay in Italy’s national elections, now widely expected for mid-February, arguing they need more time to prepare for the campaign. The scandal-scarred former three-time premier, who is considering running for the post again, said on a state TV talk show that the “rush toward elections” is “useless,” and that party leaders need more time to draw up lists of candidates for Parliament.