Italian politicians pick 80-year-old ex-Communist as president

THE Italian Parliament elected an 80-year-old former Communist to be president yesterday, paving the way for a government headed by centre-left leader Romano Prodi to be formed within days.

Giorgio Napolitano, a widely respected senator-for-life, was chosen during the fourth round of voting by some 1,000 electors, including members of both of parliament and regional representatives.

He was proclaimed Italy’s new president by the head of the lower Chamber of Deputies, Fausto Bertinotti, after winning 543 votes — well above the minimum 505 necessary for victory. A long found of applause erupted in Parliament.