Rome: Media baron Silvio Berlusconi says his
party has asked Premier Mario Monti not to run for office in
2013, ahead of the economist being tapped to lead the
government beyond its present term.
Monti replaced Berlusconi as premier last week after the
markets pounded Italy, threatening it with financial disaster.
He needs the support of Berlusconi's conservatives, the
largest party in Parliament, to implement tough economic
reforms.
Berlusconi said in an interview in Corriere della Sera
newspaper Sunday that Monti had been asked to pledge not to
run.
Monti on Friday indicated he had no intention of running,
telling reporters he had never been a candidate for anything
in his life.
Berlusconi also reiterated he won't support any wealth
tax sought by Monti's government.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, November 20, 2011, 21:26