(22 Dec 1994) Italian/Nat
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, the media tycoon who moved into politics, resigned today (Thursday), forced out of office by rebellious allies and a corruption probe.
His resignation comes the same day that his younger brother, Paolo, was convicted of illegally giving money to a political party.
Berlusconi wants elections held soon, but that decision rests with President Scalfaro, who begins talks with political leaders tomorrow.
In the meantime he has asked Berlusconi to stay on as a caretaker leader.
The political turmoil has plunged the lira into a tailspin, hitting record lows against the German mark and slumping badly against the dollar.
Ending weeks of political upheaval and speculation, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi made a midmorning appearance at the lower house of Parliament.
There, he told the chamber that he would soon be giving the President his letter of resignation.
This decision effectively cut off the Parliament's debates on three no-confidence motions.
It was in the Parliament that Berlusconi lost the support of his shaky government coalition - a mutiny led by coalition member and Northern League leader Umberto Bossi forced the Prime Minister out.
His decision made, he headed off to the Quirinale Palace to formally resign to President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro.
Then it was back to the Parliament to officially announce his resignation.
He looked relieved as he left the Parliament, saying he'd be speaking later.
SOUNDBITE:
(Speaking to reporters before heading back to the Parliament, translated from Italian)
"I will make a declaration when I return to Palazzo Chigi .. see you later"
Later, as promised, Berlusconi held a news conference .
He confirmed that he wanted elections as soon as possible.
SOUNDBITE:
(Translated from Italian)
"I clearly reaffirmed to the President of the Republic the intention of all the parties of the coalition to call for elections in the shortest time possible. I also indicated to him a date that we think could be valid for these new elections"
SUPER CAPTION: Silvio Berlusconi, Italian caretaker Prime Minister
However, he wouldn't reveal the date he'd mentioned.
Outside his office a crowd of supporters gathered.
One was sad but also optimistic.
SOUNDBITE:
"I'm very sorry Berlusconi won't be Prime Minister for a while, but I think he will be back"
SUPER CAPTION: None
Given the volatile state of Italian politics, this may not be as unlikely as it sounds.
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