Berlusconi: I Probably Won't Seek New Term

Italian prime minister says he doesn't want 'operative role' after 2013
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 13, 2011 10:24 AM CDT
Berlusconi: I Probably Won't Seek New Term
Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi attends a meeting in Turin, Italy, Monday, March 21, 2011.   (AP Photro / Federico Tardito, Lapresse)

Looks like the latest scandal was finally enough to do Silvio Berlusconi in: The Italian prime minister acknowledged that he will probably not hold public office after his term ends in 2013. "If I'm needed as the noble father for the elections, I'll do it. I could be the name at the top of my party list, but I don't want an operative role," Berlusconi told the press last night, naming Justice Minister Angelino Alfano as a possible replacement in future elections. The prime minister also said he had considered resigning recently over his "personal" ties to Moammar Gadhafi.

The Wall Street Journal notes that the statement will come as a shocker to Italians who have watched Berlusconi weather myriad scandals and even criminal trials during his 17 years in politics. Click for more Berlusconi. (More Silvio Berlusconi stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X