New PM Berlusconi next faces confidence votes
ROME, Italy (AP) — Italy’s Premier Silvio Berlusconi was sworn in Thursday to head his third government.
The 71-year-old media magnate, whose conservatives swept elections last month, took the oath of office with his Cabinet ministers in the ornate presidential Quirinal Palace.
Berlusconi signed the oath in front of Italy’s head of state, President Giorgio Napolitano.
I pledge to be loyal to the Republic, to faithfully observe the Constitution and laws, and to exercise my duties in the exclusive interest of the nation, said the billionaire businessman, who has been dogged by conflict-of-interest criticism since he burst onto Italy’s political scene 15 years ago.
Berlusconi’s resounding victory in April 13-14 elections gave him a comfortable majority in both the Senate and lower Chamber of Deputies, where his government — Italy’s 62nd since the end of World War II — faces mandatory confidence votes.
The Chamber vote is expected on May 14 and the Senate vote later that week.
Several of the key ministries, including those for foreign affairs, the economy and interior, which includes police and intelligence matters, are held by political allies who served in Berlusconi’s earlier governments.
