New Italian Premier Romano Prodi outlined his centre-left government’s programme today.

Centre-left leader Romano Prodi today formed Italy’s 61st post-war government, putting an internationally respected economist in charge of the country’s struggling finances and naming a former Communist as foreign minister.

Centre-left leader Romano Prodi today prepared for his return to power, shrugging off Premier Silvio Berlusconi’s refusal to concede defeat in Italy’s election and facing the first dispute within his wide-ranging coalition.