Prodi derides Berlusconi for Italian finances, image

Opposition leader Romano Prodi accused Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi yesterday of wrecking Italy's finances and international reputation as he effectively kicked off his campaign to win a 2006 general election.

At a packed rally, he also said Mr Berlusconi's government wanted to cheat the centre-left of victory by changing Italy's electoral rules.

"The ruling coalition promised miracles and produced disasters," Prof. Prodi told up to 100,000 flag-waving sympathisers at a sun-drenched city centre square.

"Italy and the Italians deserve better," he said, flanked by the leaders of opposition parties who have pledged to unite to unseat Mr Berlusconi, who has been in office for four years.

Elections are due by next May, with opinion polls making the centre-left the firm favourite. Ruling coalition parties stunned the opposition last month when they proposed restoring proportional representation, which was abolished in 1993 after years of abuse and corruption.

Political analysts say it would give the election winner a much narrower parliamentary majority and would weaken Italy's nascent bipolar system.

"This electoral law was written by people who are afraid of imminent defeat (and want) to limit their losses," said Prof. Prodi, a former European Commission President. "It is a giant step back for the country."

The Bill goes before Parliament next week and will test government cohesion, with some coalition lawmakers threatening to oppose the package.

The centre-left faces its own divisions, but Prof. Prodi said he hoped these would be laid to rest next Sunday in Italy's first "primary vote", when centre-left supporters will decide who should be their prime ministerial candidate.

"The day after, we will all be united," Prof. Prodi said to loud cheers.

Polls say Prof. Prodi will be the clear winner, but his position could be weakened if his main rival, Communist leader Fausto Bertinotti, gets unexpectedly strong backing.

Mr Bertinotti stood alongside Prof. Prodi throughout yesterday's speech, a cigar clamped to his lips.

Politicians from the centre-right derided Prof. Prodi's earnest performance, which was shown live on television, underscoring the brutal nature of the coming election campaign.