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Berlusconi on Italian ballot despite being banned

Author
DPA ,
Publish Date
Mon, 8 Jan 2018, 6:09AM
Italians will see the name of Silvio Berlusconi on ballot papers for upcoming general elections, despite the former premier being disqualified from the contest (Getty Images)
Italians will see the name of Silvio Berlusconi on ballot papers for upcoming general elections, despite the former premier being disqualified from the contest (Getty Images)

Berlusconi on Italian ballot despite being banned

Author
DPA ,
Publish Date
Mon, 8 Jan 2018, 6:09AM

Italians will see the name of Silvio Berlusconi on ballot papers for upcoming general elections, despite the former premier being disqualified from the contest.

On Facebook, the 81-year-old politician unveiled an election logo for his Forza Italia (Go Italy) party featuring a "Berlusconi Presidente" inscription.

In Italy, prime ministers are called "president" because their formal title is "president of the Council of Ministers." Berlusconi held the position in 1994, 2001-2006, and 2008-2011.

However, he cannot be a prime ministerial candidate this year because of a public office ban linked to a tax fraud conviction. The ban is valid until next year.

Nevertheless, Berlusconi heads a conservative coalition including two anti- migrant and eurosceptic parties - the League and Brothers of Italy - which is leading in opinion polls, with about 35 per cent of votes.

The other main election contenders, according to polling averages compiled by the YouTrend website, are the populist Five Star Movement (M5S), and a centre- left camp led by the ruling Democratic Party (PD). Both are on around 28 per cent.

"I think none of the three blocs will have a majority to govern alone," outgoing Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

He said the outgoing government, led by Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, "could carry on for months and months while parties negotiate between themselves."

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