ROME, Oct 24 — Early elections in Italy would be “irresponsible,” former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi said today, reiterating his support for the coalition government led by Mario Draghi. In an interview with the Corriere della Sera newspaper, the scandal-plagued leader of the...
ROME, Oct 24 — Early elections in Italy would be “irresponsible,” former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi said today, reiterating his support for the coalition government led by Mario Draghi. newspaper, the scandal-plagued leader of the centre-right Forza Italia party also expressed frustration with political infighting on the right that contributed to the bloc’s poor showing in recent mayoral contests around the country.
“It is a difficult job that is proceeding with good results thanks to the sense of responsibility of all the political forces,” the 85-year-old said. National elections are scheduled for 2023 but a breakdown of the coalition could hasten early polls, something hoped for by Giorgia Meloni, whose hard-right Brothers of Italy opposition party leads in opinion polls.
Berlusconi has himself been mentioned for the presidency despite his frail health and scandal-filled career, but the media mogul toldMeloni and Matteo Salvini, the leader of the far-right League party, “both have great abilities and a strong character,” Berlusconi said. “However, the centre-right must distinguish itself for the balance, seriousness and consistency of its proposals, not for its internal issues.