Berlusconi says only he can lead Italy now
Calls himself 'dam against Left'
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi yesterday dismissed suggestions that he should step down for the good of Italy's image, saying he was the only person qualified to lead the country now and by far the best in Italian history.
Mr Berlusconi, speaking at his first news conference since Italy's top court lifted his immunity from prosecution and opened the way for a resumption of corruption trials against him, also said he was the man most persecuted by judges "in the entire history of the world".
Mr Berlusconi was asked by an American reporter about calls by critics that he step down because his personal and legal problems damage Italy's image in the world.
"The reality is completely the opposite," he said, remaining unusually calm in his response. "In my opinion, and not only mine, I am the best prime minister we can find today."
Smaller opposition parties and a number of editorials in foreign publications, including yesterday's Financial Times, have called on the 73-year-old Mr Berlusconi to resign.
In a major blow for the premier, the Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday that a law granting him immunity from prosecution while he is in office violates the constitution. His lawyer said two trials against him could resume in two to three months, but he remained confident of acquittal.
Mr Berlusconi's comments about being the only man for Italy's current political season also appeared to be a message to those within his centre-right bloc who are said to be seeking a successor in Gianfranco Fini, lower house speaker and the second most important centre-right leader.
At the news conference, Mr Berlusconi repeated his assertion that he is the best prime minister in Italian history, but this time went one further when discussing his legal woes.
Mr Berlusconi said he was "a dam against the left in Italy," again accused the country's President and the Constitutional Court of being politically biased, and said judges who rule against him are "trying to subvert the will of the electorate".