election for President
Berlusconi doesn’t want to be a candidate
01/22/2022, 09:11 p.m
Former Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi is stepping backwards – he’s withdrawing from the presidential race. The question remains as to who will hold the highest political post in the country. A change from Prime Minister Draghi would come at a critical time.
Silvio Berlusconi has given up his candidacy for the presidency of Italy. The former prime minister announced at a virtual top-level meeting of centre-right parties that he was withdrawing from the race for the highest political position. The party leader of Forza Italia was not even present at the video switch and had his decision read out, it said.
The 85-year-old politician had recently tried hard to win enough voters for the votes that begin on Monday. However, observers thought it unlikely that he would get the necessary votes together. Now the four-time head of government, who, in addition to his political appearance, has made a name for himself through scandals and criminal proceedings, is now demanding a joint proposal for a candidate from the right-wing parties Forza Italia, Lega and Fratelli d’Italia. Lega boss Matteo Salvini said the centre-right now has “the honor and responsibility to make its own proposals”.
Most recently, Prime Minister Mario Draghi was the favorite for the election – but Berlusconi is urging Draghi to remain in his current position. Other party leaders are also against changing the former head of the ECB, which could result in early new elections.
In addition, an appointment to President Draghi would mean that the post of head of government would become vacant at a critical time. The 74-year-old politician is successfully holding his broad governing coalition together and enjoys international recognition. He skilfully leads Italy through the corona pandemic and initiates reforms in the areas of digitization, administration and climate protection.
On the other hand, as President, Draghi would be in a better position to ensure political stability and good relations with Brussels – especially if the right wins the next general election. As President, Draghi would be in office for seven years – as Prime Minister, he is threatened with departure as early as next year because of the parliamentary elections.