Berlusconi resigns, paving way for Prodi government

ITALY’S Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi handed in his resignation yesterday, ending weeks of political uncertainty and opening the way for centre-left leader Romano Prodi to form a new government.

Mr Berlusconi had contested Mr Prodi’s razor-thin victory in a national election last month but was forced to concede after lawmakers elected centre-left speakers for parliament at the weekend, showing Mr Prodi can control the assembly with his slim majority.

The resignation marked the end of a turbulent five-year spell as prime minister for the billionaire media magnate who won power promising an economic miracle but instead presided over a long period of stagnation.