EU anticipates furore as loose cannon Berlusconi assumes presidency

ITALY’S controversial prime minister Silvio Berlusconi took over the presidency of the European Union yesterday and is expected to be greeted by protests when he addresses the European Parliament today.

As one of Europe's richest men worth at least €10 billion who managed to suspend an Italian court hearing accusations of bribing judges against him, he is expected to spark controversy during his six-month term.

Green party MEPs were meeting in Strasbourg last night to decide how to protest against Mr Berlusconi this morning, but other members of the parliament were adamant there should be no protest.