Italy’s caretaker Prime Minister Mario Monti told an impromptu news conference yesterday that he will contest February elections at the head of a centrist coalition.

“I agree to assume the role of head of the coalition, and I will commit myself to guaranteeing the success of this operation,” Monti said after meeting for four hours with representatives of centrist groups and civic organisations.

Monti, 69, announced a week ago he would step down after 13 months at the head of an unelected team of technocrats that was appointed to steer Italy out of a financial crisis that could have had dire consequences for the entire 17-nation eurozone. Technically, as an Italian senator for life, the European commissioner cannot himself run for office, but is in a position to be renamed prime minister if a party or coalition he supports wins the vote on February 24 to 25.

Monti is seen as a recourse to prevent scandal-tainted former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi from returning to power and undoing hard-won reforms.

The “Monti Agenda” proposes to cut public funds for political parties and parliamentary groups, and also includes measures to make more room for women and environmental issues.