Vittorio Sgarbi, a Forza Italia MP, hinted that Berlusconi may have to end his bid to be Italy’s next president. There may not be enough support among lawmakers for the ex-Prime Minister.
Silvio Berlusconi “was quite sad yesterday” as his bid to become Italy’s next president has “halted”, Ansa reports Vittorio Sgarbi, an art critic and MP for the ex-premier’s Forza Italia (FI) party, as saying on Tuesday.
5-Star Movement and Democratic Party look for impartiality
FI‘s centre-right allies, Matteo Salvini’s League and Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (FdI) parties, have said they are in favour of the media billionaire replacing President Sergio Mattarella. However, the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) and the 5-Star Movement (M5S) want the new head of State to be a more impartial figure.
As a result, there are big doubts as to whether Berlusconi would be able to muster the necessary support. He requires backing from lawmakers of both houses of parliament and regional representatives. Voting starts for the new president next week.
“I think there must be disquiet of a psychological nature,” Sgarbi told RAI radio. “He stayed in Milan (yesterday).
Mattarella, whose seven-year-term is coming to an end, could be recommended by Berlusconi for re-election.
“I think this pause is related to the fact that he is wondering if there is an honourable way out; with a name (for a new president) that he likes, perhaps (the re-election of) Mattarella,” Sgarbi continued.
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