As Italian politicians prepare to elect the EU country’s next President, notorious ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who seeks the post himself, has warned his Forza Italia party would leave the current unity government of Prime Minister Mario Draghi, if the latter gets elected to the top post, British news portal The Guardian reports.
The secret voted by more than 1,000 parliamentarians and regional representatives begins on January 24 and is expected to go through several rounds before a successor to Sergio Mattarella, who steps down on February 3, is elected. There are no official candidates in Italy’s presidential elections, although party leaders usually try to agree on a candidate.
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Berlusconi, 85, is a favourite among the right-wing parties for the seven-year-mandate. However, Draghi, who is credited with restoring stability in Italy, as well as keeping the broad coalition in line, is tipped as the frontrunner. Draghi hinted in December he would be prepared to accept the role if elected. However, he began a press conference on Monday, January 11, by vetoing questions about the presidential race
According to reports in the Italian press, Berlusconi said that without Draghi as prime minister, «Forza Italia would leave the majority». Draghi’s potential promotion risks bringing general elections forward by a year. In a poll released on Tuesday, January 11, more than 50% of Italians said Draghi was the person most fit for the job, while 39% supported Berlusconi, The Guardian reports.
In Italy, Berlusconi speaks of bringing down government, if PM Draghi becomes President
