Berlusconi not welcome in Tuscan region

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has been forced to give up plans to buy a property in Tuscany after being told he would not be welcome in Italy’s left-wing stronghold, it was reported today.

Berlusconi, who is one of Europe’s richest men and owns several villas in Italy and overseas, wanted to buy a castle in Montalcino, a town near Siena famous for its Brunello red wine.

But the media baron turned prime minister changed his mind after being insulted by the locals during a recent visit.

A government source said Berlusconi was “shocked” to be met by a flurry of insults and “Mafia-style warnings”.

Tuscany and Montalcino in particular are traditional strongholds of left-wing Italian parties. The local mayor blamed the incident on tourists, but apologised to the premier by phone.